UFC confirmed middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev's first title defense against former champ Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. The schedule also lists Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott on April 18 in Winnipeg, Aljamain Sterling vs. Youseff Zalal on April 25 in Las Vegas, and Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates on May 2 in Perth. These fights feature key divisional players, with the title clash pivotal for middleweight supremacy amid Chimaev's dominance. The reveal solidifies upcoming cards, aiding fan planning and fighter preparations. More details on undercards and broadcasts expected soon.
The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland as the headliner of UFC 328, set for May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. Chimaev will make his first defense of the middleweight championship against the former titleholder in what shapes up as one of the most anticipated bouts of the year.
Strickland, 35, enters the contest with a 31-7 record and holds championship status in the division. The American fighter out of Xtreme Couture stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and brings legitimate title pedigree into this rematch scenario.
The May 9 card is not the only action on the horizon. On April 18 in Winnipeg, welterweight Gilbert Burns takes on Mike Malott. Burns, a 39-year-old Brazilian out of Kill Cliff FC, carries a 22-10 record and ranks thirteenth at welterweight. He lands strikes at 48 percent accuracy and averages 2.12 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a credible grappling threat in the division.
Aljamain Sterling meets Youseff Zalal on April 25 in Las Vegas, and on May 2 in Perth, fourth-ranked welterweight Jack Della Maddalena faces Carlos Prates. Della Maddalena, 29, represents Australia and carries an 18-4 record with a pound-for-pound ranking of thirteenth. Fighting out of a switch stance, he connects on 51 percent of his significant strikes and averages 5.57 per minute, making him one of the most precise and productive strikers in the welterweight division.
Why it matters
- Chimaev vs. Strickland is the first defense of the middleweight title, with full divisional supremacy on the line
- Della Maddalena's ranked welterweight clash in Perth could reshape the top-five picture ahead of a potential title shot
- Burns at 39 remains active at welterweight rank thirteen, keeping a veteran contender's positioning relevant
Saturday, May 9, 2026
