Chimaev defends MW title vs. Strickland at UFC 328

UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will make his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. This highly anticipated matchup will be broadcast on Paramount+. Strickland, a former middleweight titleholder, gets his opportunity to reclaim the belt against the dominant Chimaev. The fight represents a significant test for Chimaev's reign and a potential redemption arc for Strickland. This main event is shaping up to be one of the most compelling middleweight title fights of 2026.