UFC CEO Dana White announced Khamzat Chimaev defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland as the main event for UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark. This blockbuster matchup pits the unbeaten grappling phenom against the former champion's striking prowess, potentially reshaping the 185-pound division amid Chimaev's dominance. Additional main events include Song Yadong vs Deiveson Figueiredo in Macau on May 30 and Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim on June 6. Co-main events like Kyler Phillips vs Charles Jourdain on April 18 in Winnipeg were also revealed. Expect high stakes as these bouts solidify contenders for future title shots.
UFC CEO Dana White has officially announced Khamzat Chimaev will defend the middleweight championship against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328, scheduled for May 9 in Newark, New Jersey.
Chimaev enters as the reigning 185-pound titleholder, though the verified fighter data on file does not list a current record or ranking entry for him in this bout announcement. What is clear is that his unbeaten grappling-heavy style has made him one of the division's most feared presences. Strickland, meanwhile, carries a 31-7 record and is listed as a champion in the middleweight division, meaning this clash pits two titleholders — or a current and former champion — against one another at the top of the 185-pound ladder. The 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture is a relentless volume striker, averaging over six significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach that allows him to control distance and output throughout five rounds.
Why it matters
- The middleweight title is directly on the line, with the winner likely consolidating control of the 185-pound division
- Chimaev's grappling-forward approach creates a sharp stylistic contrast against Strickland's high-volume orthodox striking
- A Strickland win would mark a significant title reclamation; a Chimaev victory further cements his unbeaten run at the top
UFC 328 is not the only marquee card on the horizon. On June 6, welterweight contender Belal Muhammad meets Gabriel Bonfim, a dangerous 28-year-old Brazilian ranked tenth at 170 pounds with a 19-1 record. Bonfim lands 4.61 significant strikes per minute and averages 3.6 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat for any top-ten opponent.
Earlier, on April 18 in Winnipeg, Kyler Phillips squares off with Charles Jourdain in a co-main event. Phillips, a 31-year-old American out of MMA Lab, holds a 12-5 record and averages over five significant strikes per minute, blending volume with a respectable takedown rate of 2.31 per 15 minutes.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
