A packed May schedule includes multiple major MMA and boxing events across several promotions. UFC Perth on May 2 features Madalena vs. Prates and Dariush vs. Salkilld as main attractions, while PFL Sioux Falls the same day includes Storley vs. Zendeli and Rasulov vs. Chizhov. The biggest event is UFC 328 on May 9, headlined by Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland, with Alexander Volkov vs. Acosta and Sean Brady vs. Buckley on the card. ACA 203 on May 8 and UFC Vegas 117 on May 16 round out the UFC offerings. MVP MMA on May 16 features several crossover fights including Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano and Francis Ngannou vs. Linz. Additional boxing events are also scheduled throughout the month.
May shapes up as one of the busiest months on the MMA calendar, with a string of events spread across multiple promotions culminating in UFC 328 on May 9, headlined by a middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.
Strickland, who holds a record of 31 wins and 7 losses, enters the bout as the reigning middleweight champion. The 35-year-old American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute at a 42 percent accuracy rate. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, "Tarzan" is rarely shy about volume inside the cage. UFC 328 also features Alexander Volkov against Acosta and Sean Brady taking on Buckley. Volkov, ranked first in the heavyweight division at 37 years old, carries an imposing record of 40-11 and stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach. The Russian, who fights out of Strela Team, connects at a 57 percent striking accuracy rate — among the highest in his division.
The month opens on May 2 with two simultaneous cards. UFC Perth puts Beneil Dariush back in lightweight action. The 37-year-old southpaw holds a record of 23-8-1 and trains at Kings MMA. Dariush averages 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 3.78 significant strikes landed per minute, making him a genuine mixed threat for opponent Salkilld. On the same evening, PFL Sioux Falls features Storley vs. Zendeli and Rasulov vs. Chizhov.
ACA 203 on May 8 and UFC Vegas 117 on May 16 add further UFC action to the slate, while MVP MMA on May 16 includes a set of crossover bouts featuring Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou, and Linz. Several boxing events are also scheduled throughout the month.
Why it matters
- Strickland defends the middleweight title against one of the division's most dangerous challengers in Chimaev
- Volkov's ranking as the top-rated heavyweight means his bout at UFC 328 carries significant title-contender implications
- Dariush's lightweight clash at UFC Perth keeps the logjam at 155 pounds moving
- The broader May schedule offers fight fans near-weekly major events across MMA and boxing
