Chimaev defends middleweight title vs Strickland May 9

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 marks a significant matchup in the middleweight division, pitting the current titleholder against a former champion seeking to reclaim gold. Strickland, a former middleweight champion, represents a credible threat to Chimaev's reign. The fight will be broadcast on Paramount+. This title fight is one of the major events scheduled for the UFC's 2026 calendar and will draw significant attention from the MMA community.