Get ready, fight fans—Khamzat Chimaev is stepping back into the Octagon this Saturday, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The undefeated UFC middleweight champion will defend his title for the first time against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 328, taking place in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9, 2026.
The buildup to this clash has been nothing short of electric—and a little bit nasty. Both fighters have traded eyebrow-raising comments, and the tension is so thick that the UFC has reportedly added extra security for fight week to ensure everyone stays safe. Here's everything you need to know about "Borz's" next big test.
When and Where to Watch
The main card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET, with Chimaev and Strickland expected to make their walk to the cage between 10:30 and 11 p.m. ET, depending on how the earlier bouts wrap up. For U.K. fans, coverage begins late Saturday night: prelims start at midnight BST, with the main card airing at 2 a.m. BST on TNT Sports 1 or HBO Max. If you're searching on fight day, just remember—it's happening tonight, and the early start times only matter if you want to catch the undercard action.
A Tale of Two Fighters
Chimaev enters this bout with a pristine 15-0 record (9-0 in the UFC), fresh off a dominant title-winning performance against Dricus du Plessis. That fight showcased Chimaev's relentless grappling, as he racked up 12 takedowns and over 21 minutes of control time—numbers that left no doubt about his championship credentials.
On the other side, Strickland is no stranger to the spotlight. The former champion famously dethroned Israel Adesanya in 2023 before losing the belt to du Plessis. After dropping a rematch to du Plessis in 2025, Strickland rebounded with a TKO win over Anthony Hernandez, earning another shot at gold. Despite his resume, he enters as a heavy underdog at +410, per CBS Sports' opening lines.
Bad Blood and High Stakes
This isn't just another title fight—it's personal. The bad blood between these two has been simmering for months, and with Strickland's relentless trash talk and Chimaev's quiet confidence, the atmosphere in Newark promises to be electric. Whether you're rooting for the undefeated champion or the gritty former titleholder, this is a fight you won't want to miss.
So grab your gear, settle in, and get ready for a night of high-octane action. UFC 328 is shaping up to be a defining moment in the middleweight division.