UFC 328 places Chimaev as the favorite against Strickland in the main fight
The UFC returns to Prudential Center this Saturday for UFC 328. Khamzat Chimaev defends the middleweight belt against Sean Strickland in the main fight. The main card starts around 9pm on Brasília, broadcast on Paramount+.
Chimaev arrives undefeated with 15 wins. Ele won the title by overcoming Dricus of Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319 in August 2025. Strickland, in turn, is coming off a technical knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez in February. The American was already champion of the division.
Luta main brings together opposing styles in the octagon
Khamzat Chimaev, 32 years old, has six knockouts, six submissions and three decisions in his career. Ele holds several UFC records for total and ground strikes. The Chechen naturalized in Emirados Árabes has won nine fights since joining the organization.
Sean Strickland, 35 years old, has 30 wins and seven losses. Ele has recorded 12 knockouts, four submissions and 14 decisions. The American leads the historical ranking of significant strikes in the middleweight category. Ele regained momentum with the recent knockout.
- Chimaev has 15-0 overall record
- Strickland accumulates 30-7
- Luta is worth the linear middleweight belt
- Local: Prudential Center, Newark, Nova Jersey
- Horário close to the main fight: after 11pm on Brasil
Odds indicate wide advantage for the champion
Bookmakers place Chimaev as a big favorite at around -500. Strickland appears as the underdog at +380. Esses numbers reflect the champion’s dominant record in recent appearances.
Analistas highlight Chimaev’s grappling as a decisive factor. Ele tends to control fights on the ground and accumulate strikes at a high volume. Strickland prefers standing exchanges and has good cardio for five rounds.
Card has flyweight title fight as co-main
Joshua Van defends the flyweight belt against Tatsuro Taira. Van, 16-2, looks for first save. Taira, 18-1, enters as ranked challenger.
Leia Também
Messi reaches 19 goals in FIFA World Cups with great free kick for Argentina in clash with Jordan
Cristiano Ronaldo shines beyond the pitch at the 2026 World Cup with business empire and family luxury
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirms his historic legacy and prepares to shine in the 2026 World Cup
Outros main card duels include Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta at heavyweight, Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley at welterweight and King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens at lightweight. The event features 13 fights in total.
Recent Histórico shows evolution of both athletes
Chimaev overcame Robert Whittaker via submission in 2024 before winning the title. Ele accumulates awards from Performance from Noite and has established itself as one of the dominant names in the division.
Strickland alternated results against Dricus du Plessis. Ele lost the belt in 2024, but showed resilience with decision and knockout victories. The American usually takes fights to distance.
What to expect from the night at Prudential Center
The preliminary card should start earlier with several fights involving prospects and veterans. Jim Miller, for example, appears in one of the preliminaries.
The rivalry between Chimaev and Strickland gained extra spice in the weigh-in and interview events. The two exchanged intense barbs, but the focus now returns to the Octagon.
UFC 328 takes place at a time of high competitiveness in the middleweight division. The result of the main fight could define the direction for the rest of 2026 in the category.
