UFC returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this weekend with a middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.
Chimaev brings elite wrestling and constant pressure, while Strickland relies on volume striking and durability. The matchup centers on whether Strickland can stay standing long enough to test the champion.
The co-main event is a flyweight title bout pitting champion Joshua Van against surging contender Tatsuro Taira, promising technical mastery and high-level grappling.
The card includes multiple ranked matchups across divisions, with a mix of heavyweight power and technical welterweight fights on Paramount+.
UFC 328 Fight Preview
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Prelims begin around 5:00 PM ET (adjust for local time), with the main card set for 9:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM MDT. The entire card will be available to stream live on Paramount+ and the prelims will also be available on CBS and UFC Fight Pass.
In the headlining middleweight title bout, Khamzat Chimaev enters as a heavy favorite in UFC odds at around -600 against Sean Strickland at +419. Chimaev’s undefeated record, grappling dominance, and finishing ability make him the clear pick for most analysts, though Strickland’s boxing, durability, and championship experience keep this from being a complete mismatch.
The co-main event features Joshua Van against Tatsuro Taira in a flyweight matchup. Taira enters as a favorite around -160, while Van sits at +130. Van brings championship experience, explosive striking, and improving wrestling defense, while Taira represents a dangerous grappler with slick transitions, high-level jiu-jitsu, and the momentum of a strong win streak.
UFC 328 Predictions
• The main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland leans strongly toward the champion, but Strickland’s striking and veteran presence make it a must-watch.
• Chimaev is an absolute force with smothering wrestling, high-volume control, and the ability to finish fights — he’s never been beaten and has looked unstoppable in recent performances.
• Strickland is a crafty veteran with sharp boxing, elite fight IQ, and proven durability against top competition, but he’ll face immense pressure from Chimaev’s pace and grappling.
• A safer angle is backing Chimaev inside the distance or by decision, given his control time and finishing instincts.
• Both title fights carry high upside for “Fight of the Night” or performance bonuses given the talent involved.
• Strong value could be found on the main event not going the distance or props favoring the favorite are grappling edge.
UFC 328 Prime Best Bets: Khamzat Chimaev and Tatsuro Taira
Chimaev remains the clearest favorite in UFC betting odds on the card given his control advantage, while Taira’s grappling gives him a strong path in the co-main event.
UFC 328 Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev (c) vs. Sean Strickland
Records & physicals
• Chimaev: 15–0–0
• Strickland: 30–7–0
• Height: 6'2″ vs. 6'1″
• Reach: ~75″ vs. 76″
Strikes landed per min
• Chimaev: 4.04
• Strickland: 6.04
• Striking accuracy: ~60% (Chimaev) vs. ~42% (Strickland)
Strikes absorbed per min
• Chimaev: 2.32
• Strickland: 4.57
Defense
• Chimaev: 43%
• Strickland: 60%
Average fight time
• Chimaev: 8:11 (Shorter, finish-heavy)
• Strickland: 15:54 (goes the distance often)
Chimaev aims to make his first title defense a statement win with dominant grappling in front of a raucous crowd, while Strickland looks to reclaim the belt with precision striking and veteran resilience.
