The UFC 328 press conference featuring Chimaev vs Strickland attracted approximately 210,000 live viewers on YouTube, making it the fifth most-watched press conference in UFC history. It also became the most-watched press conference ever that did not feature Conor McGregor. The all-time top spot remains the UFC 229 Khabib vs McGregor press conference with 505,000 live viewers. The strong viewership indicates significant fan interest in the upcoming middleweight title eliminator bout.
The UFC 328 press conference drew approximately 210,000 live viewers on YouTube, cementing it as the fifth most-watched press conference in UFC history ahead of the middleweight showdown scheduled for May 9, 2026.
The event also claimed a notable distinction beyond the raw number: it became the most-watched UFC press conference ever held without Conor McGregor on the stage. The all-time record belongs to the UFC 229 faceoff between Khabib Nurmagomedov and McGregor, which pulled 505,000 live viewers. The strong turnout for UFC 328 signals that the matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland has captured genuine mainstream attention.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, carries a 31-7-0 record into the bout. The 35-year-old American fights out of Xtreme Couture and is one of the most active offensive fighters in the division, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute with a 76-inch reach that stretches to 193 cm. His volume and pressure style have made him a polarizing but undeniable draw.
Why it matters
- The 210,000 viewer figure is the highest ever recorded for a press conference not involving McGregor, reflecting the growing appeal of the middleweight title picture
- Strickland's champion status means the winner of this matchup holds significant leverage in the divisional rankings
- The viewership milestone arrives just one day before the fighters are set to compete, suggesting pay-per-view interest could be elevated heading into fight night
Saturday, May 9, 2026
