UFC 328: Strickland Returns to the Throne, Van Turns Back Challenger
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Sean Strickland (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. NEWARK, NJ -- The UFC returned to the Garden State on Saturday night with a stacked card of contenders vying to make their presence felt, in addition to two championship bouts. UFC 328 had already produced highlight knockouts, submissions, and a reminder that veteran experience still matters before the main card was underway.
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev entered the night undefeated and carried enormous hostility into his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland. The buildup between the two had been fierce all week, with both fighters exchanging personal shots during media appearances. The fight began as expected, with the Chechen wrestler taking Strickland (30-7) down with ease and controlling the pace.
In the second round, the champ appeared to lose steam, and the tides turned. Strickland defended a takedown and remained on top for over three minutes. An uncharacteristically tired Chimaev (15-1) struggled to regain form throughout the contest as Strickland fought back with his patent jab.
Both men stood and exchanged during the middle rounds, blooding each other’s faces. In the fifth and final round each had moments of glory before the horn rang. The judges' scorecards were 48-47 (x2) Strickland to 48-47 Chimaev, crowning the American middleweight champion for the second time.
Both showed admiration for one another as the crowd erupted for their countryman. STRICKLAND IS ONCE AGAIN A CHAMPION 🏆🏆 #UFC328 | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic. twitter.
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