UFC announced its spring 2026 schedule, confirming key bouts including Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan on April 4 in Las Vegas, Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott on April 18 in Winnipeg, and Aljamain Sterling vs. Youseff Zalal on April 25. Additional matchups feature Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates in Perth on May 2 and the middleweight title clash Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, with Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim set for June 6. These bookings provide ranked contenders chances to advance in welterweight, featherweight, and middleweight divisions. The schedule strengthens event lineups amid high demand. Expect further announcements as cards fill out, potentially impacting title pictures.
Reports emerged on April 18 suggesting the UFC has mapped out an ambitious spring 2026 calendar, though the bookings have not yet received official confirmation. The reported slate stretches from early April through June, touching multiple divisions and featuring a middleweight title fight as its centerpiece at UFC 328 on May 9.
Among the headliners on the unconfirmed schedule is a reported middleweight championship clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland. Strickland, 35, carries a 31-7 record and holds the middleweight title fighting out of Xtreme Couture. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, the American is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute at 42 percent accuracy. The rangy orthodox fighter rarely goes to the ground, averaging just 0.71 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Also reportedly on tap for June 6 is a welterweight pairing between Belal Muhammad and Gabriel Bonfim. Bonfim, nicknamed Marretinha, is 28 years old and holds a 19-1 record while sitting at number ten in the welterweight rankings. The Brazilian out of Bonfim Brothers is a well-rounded threat, averaging 4.61 significant strikes per minute alongside a strong grappling output of 3.6 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Another welterweight contest, Gilbert Burns versus Mike Malott, is reportedly slated for April 18 in Winnipeg. Burns, known as Durinho, is 39 years old and carries a 22-10 record, currently ranked thirteenth at 170 pounds. Fighting out of Kill Cliff FC, the Brazilian veteran connects at 48 percent striking accuracy and averages 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting his decorated jiu-jitsu background.
Why it matters
- The reported Chimaev vs. Strickland clash would put the middleweight title on the line and reshape the division's hierarchy.
- Bonfim enters a high-profile welterweight assignment that could push him closer to top-ten contention.
- Burns, at ranked 13th and 39 years old, faces a pivotal fight in Winnipeg to remain relevant in a deep welterweight field.
- None of these bouts are officially confirmed, and further announcements could alter the reported cards.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
