One of the most intense rivalries in modern UFC history reaches its climax at UFC 328, where the middleweight championship is on the line. The event takes place on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark.
In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev puts his UFC middleweight title on the line against Sean Strickland. Chimaev remains undefeated in his MMA career since joining the UFC in 2020. This marks his first title defense after claiming the belt by defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319.
Strickland has a record of 2-2 in his last four fights but has won five of his most recent seven. He enters this bout following a finish of Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston in February. Strickland, a former middleweight champion, shocked the world by defeating Israel Adesanya for the belt at UFC 293. However, he lost the title to Du Plessis at UFC 297 and also dropped their rematch at UFC 312.
The co-main event also features a title fight, as Joshua Van defends the UFC flyweight championship against Tatsuro Taira. Van emerged as one of the UFC’s standout fighters in 2025 and challenged Alexandre Pantoja for the title at UFC 323 in December, winning after Pantoja suffered an injury seconds into the fight. Taira earned his title shot by finishing former champion Brandon Moreno at the same event.
Rounding out the main card are Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley, and King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens.
**KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VS. SEAN STRICKLAND**
The MMA community has been buzzing about Chimaev kicking Strickland at the UFC 328 press conference. UFC CEO Dana White called it the most intense rivalry he has seen in a while, with some comparing it to Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov. While some find it overblown, there is a chance this fight mirrors that one-sided outcome.
The heated nature could lead to some striking exchanges, but both fighters are excellent wrestlers. Wrestling was the key to Chimaev claiming the title, and while Strickland has strong takedown defense, Chimaev’s relentless pace and wrestling style mean he will eventually get takedowns. The odds favor Chimaev by submission, but Strickland has never been submitted. It is more likely Chimaev dominates for 25 minutes than scoring a submission.
**BET: Chimaev via decision (FanDuel: +330)**
**JOEL ALVAREZ VS. YAROSLAV AMOSOV**
This could be another grappling-heavy clash. Both fighters are relatively new to the UFC welterweight division, competing in only their second bout at 170 pounds. Joel Alvarez is on a nice winning streak, while Yaroslav Amosov impressed with a first-round submission victory over Neil Magny in his UFC debut.
Again, this fight will come down to wrestling. Both are tough and skilled on the mat, and the winner will be determined by who performs better in that area. Whether you favor the UFC veteran or the former Bellator champion, it is highly plausible this fight goes to the judges.
**BET: Fight to be won via decision (DraftKings & BetMGM: +110)**
**PAT SABATINI VS. WILLIAM GOMIS**
No disrespect to William Gomis, but he lacks the experience compared to Pat Sabatini. Sabatini, a New Jersey native, fits the theme of this betting card as another excellent wrestler. He could give Gomis a tough time with his pressure, especially if the fight goes to the ground. That said, Gomis has never been submitted.
**BET: Pat Sabatini to win (DraftKings: -210)**
