Chimaev defends middleweight title vs Strickland May 9

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 features two of the division's most prominent fighters, with Strickland seeking to reclaim the belt he previously held. The bout will be broadcast on Paramount+. The fight carries significant implications for the middleweight division's future direction and represents a major test of Chimaev's championship credentials against elite competition.