UFC 328. Taking place on Saturday. May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, features Khamzat Chimaev making his first title defense in the middleweight division. Strickland, a former champion, is determined to reclaim the belt — According to CBS Sports, the fight is expected to be a close contest, with both fighters having issued public threats and personal attacks.

High Stakes and Personal Tensions

The rivalry between Chimaev and Strickland has escalated beyond the Octagon; According to MARCA, Strickland warned that he would shoot Chimaev and his Chechen friends if approached. Chimaev responded defiantly, saying he would be ‘happy to die’ if it meant facing Strickland, while UFC has increased security measures to prevent a confrontation, according to MARCA, fearing a potential cancellation due to the intense animosity between the two fighters.

During the UFC 328 press conference, the personal attacks intensified. Chimaev called Strickland ‘your father in the cage,’ while Strickland responded with a racial slur and told Chimaev to return to his home country. The exchange was tense and chaotic, with the audience demanding a ‘war’ in the octagon. According to MARCA, the UFC event reminded fans of the famous McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov rivalry.

Additional Title Fight and Broadcast Information

Alongside the main event, UFC 328 also features a flyweight championship fight between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira. Van, the second-youngest champion in UFC history, will defend his title for the first time. According to CBS Sports, Van earned the title when Alexandre Pantoja suffered a harsh injury in their previous bout.

In Europe, UFC 328 will air on DAZN at around 3:00 AM local time, with the main event starting at approximately 5:00 AM. According to Netzwelt, fans can also watch via UFC Fight Pass. The event will include 13 fights in total, with DAZN broadcasting all five main card matches live. The main card begins around 3:00 AM, while the Chimaev vs. Strickland fight is scheduled for 5:00 AM, subject to change due to pre-fight events.

Betting Odds and Fan Expectations

Experts at CBS Sports have offered their predictions for the event, with Chimaev entering as the reigning champion. The fight is expected to be a close contest, with both fighters having strong records. According to Wettbasis, Chimaev is favored to win his first title defense, though Strickland’s experience and previous title reign make him a formidable opponent. Fan expectations are high, with many anticipating a dramatic and potentially controversial showdown.

With tensions high and personal attacks intensifying, UFC 328 promises to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. Chimaev and Strickland are expected to deliver a high-stakes battle for the middleweight title, with the outcome uncertain. According to MARCA, the UFC is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the event proceeds without incident.