Chimaev-Strickland title fight to headline UFC 328

The highly anticipated middleweight title bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland will take place at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has finalized the card for UFC 328, with the previously announced middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland set to headline the May 9 event in Newark, New Jersey. Chimaev will be making the first defense of the title he won last August, while Strickland is looking to capture his first UFC championship despite being the No. 3-ranked contender.

Why it matters

This fight has been highly anticipated due to the bad blood between the two fighters, with Strickland recently making controversial comments about Chimaev. The outcome of this bout will have major implications for the middleweight division and could set the stage for future title fights.

The details

Chimaev, a 31-year-old Russian fighter, won the middleweight title at UFC 319 last August with a unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis. He has not fought since then. Strickland, a 35-year-old American, is coming off a TKO win over Anthony Hernandez last month in Houston. Despite being the No. 3-ranked contender, Strickland will get his shot at the title against Chimaev.

  • UFC 328 will take place on May 9, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Chimaev last fought and won the middleweight title at UFC 319 in August 2025.
  • Strickland defeated Anthony Hernandez by TKO in a UFC Fight Night main event last month in Houston.

The players

Khamzat Chimaev

The reigning UFC middleweight champion, a 31-year-old fighter from Russia with a 15-0 professional record.

Sean Strickland

The No. 3-ranked UFC middleweight contender, a 35-year-old American fighter with a 30-7 professional record.

Dana White

The president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're not fighting at the White House. They don't like terrorists there.”

— Sean Strickland

What’s next

UFC 328 will be the last numbered UFC event before the promotion's first-of-its-kind UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14 at the White House grounds.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated middleweight title fight between the champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland has the potential to be a classic clash of styles and personalities, with the winner positioning themselves for further title defenses or challenges in the crowded UFC middleweight division.