Chimaev vs Strickland set for UFC 328 on May 9

Dana White announced that Khamzat Chimaev will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This matchup represents a major test for Chimaev's title reign against the surging Strickland. The announcement came as part of White's broader scheduling update for the first half of 2026, solidifying the promotion's calendar through mid-June. The middleweight title fight is expected to be one of the most significant bouts of the spring season. Strickland has been climbing the rankings and this opportunity marks a major career milestone.