UFC 328 Adds Welterweights Yaroslav Amosov and Joel Alvarez to Lineup

Former Bellator champion Amosov faces rising contender Alvarez in Newark, N.J. event.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:04pm

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The UFC has announced a new welterweight matchup for UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. Former Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov will take on rising contender Joel Alvarez in what promises to be an exciting fight between two top 170-pound fighters.

Why it matters

This fight features two welterweights looking to make a statement and climb the rankings. Amosov is making his second UFC appearance after a successful debut, while Alvarez is moving up from lightweight and looking to prove he can hang with the best at 170 pounds.

The details

Amosov (29-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will be facing Alvarez (23-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in the welterweight bout. Amosov, the former Bellator champion, made his UFC debut in December 2025 with a first-round submission win over veteran Neil Magny. Alvarez, a 33-year-old Spaniard, is coming off a decision win over Vicente Luque in his 170-pound debut last October and is riding a four-fight winning streak.

  • The fight is scheduled for May 9, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Amosov made his UFC debut in December 2025 with a win over Neil Magny.
  • Alvarez moved up to welterweight and defeated Vicente Luque in October 2025.

The players

Yaroslav Amosov

A former Bellator welterweight champion who is 29-1 as a professional and is making his second appearance in the UFC after a successful debut win.

Joel Alvarez

A 33-year-old Spanish fighter who is 23-3 as a pro and is riding a four-fight winning streak, including a win in his welterweight debut last October.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great opportunity for me to show what I can do against another top welterweight prospect.”

— Yaroslav Amosov

“I'm excited to test myself against a former champion like Amosov. This is the kind of fight that can really put me on the map at 170 pounds.”

— Joel Alvarez

The takeaway

This welterweight matchup between Amosov and Alvarez is an intriguing clash of styles and experience levels, with the winner likely to take a big step forward in the 170-pound division.