Chimaev defends title vs Strickland at UFC 328

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to make his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. This blockbuster matchup headlines a packed 2026 schedule that includes several Fight Nights leading up to it. The fight pits Chimaev's undefeated streak and wrestling dominance against Strickland's technical striking and cardio. It matters for the middleweight division as it tests Chimaev's reign early while giving Strickland a path back to the top. Expect intense trash talk and a tactical battle; the winner solidifies their status as the division's best.