Chimaev To Face Strickland In First Defense
Dana White has confirmed that undefeated middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) will make his first title defense against Sean Strickland (30-7).
The fight will headline UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This bout marks the first time “Borz” will put his gold on the line since his unanimous decision win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025. Strickland vaulted himself back into the title shot picture with a clinical third-round TKO of Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez at UFC Houston on February 21, 2026.
Many believe the #2 ranked Nassourdine Imavov was unfairly overlooked. “The Sniper” is currently on a scorching five-fight win streak, including a knockout of Israel Adesanya and a victory over Caio Borralho. Chimaev has publicly expressed reluctance to fight Imavov in the past, citing their shared Dagestani roots and personal ties, which may have played a role in the UFC opting for the Strickland matchup.
The Card
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov 2
Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley
Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio
Ateba Gautier vs. Osman Diaz
Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos
King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens
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