UFC 328: Chimaev and Strickland Set for Middleweight Title Showdown in Newark, Expert Predictions Revealed

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) prepares for a highly anticipated middleweight title clash as undefeated champion Khamzat Chimaev defends his belt against the third-ranked contender, Sean Strickland, at UFC 328. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with the five-bout main card commencing at approximately 9 p.m. ET, available for streaming on Paramount+. Ahead of the marquee matchup, SportsLine’s esteemed mixed martial arts (MMA) expert, Kyle Marley, has released his comprehensive predictions and betting insights for the entire fight card.

Khamzat Chimaev, often referred to as "Borz," enters the Octagon with a pristine professional record of 15-0. The 32-year-old Chechen-born fighter has been an unstoppable force since joining the UFC, securing victories in all nine of his appearances within the promotion. His diverse skillset is evident in his finish record, which includes six wins by knockout, six by submission, and three by decision. Chimaev’s aggressive, high-volume style and dominant wrestling pedigree have earned him six Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night award, quickly establishing him as one of the sport’s most compelling figures.

Chimaev’s ascent to the middleweight throne culminated in his recent unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August. This win not only solidified his status as champion but also showcased his ability to go the distance against top-tier competition. Throughout his UFC career, Chimaev has demonstrated remarkable statistical prowess, holding records such as the most total strikes landed in a UFC fight with 529, the most total ground strikes landed with 517, and the most total head strikes landed with 411. He also ranks second in total strikes attempted in a single UFC bout with 567, underscoring his relentless offensive output. His impactful presence has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the 2020 Newcomer of the Year, Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year, and the 2024 President’s Choice Fight of the Year. His undefeated record and dominant performances have positioned him as a formidable champion, making him a significant favorite heading into UFC 328.

Challenging Chimaev for the middleweight championship is the 35-year-old Sean Strickland, who boasts a professional record of 30-7. Strickland, a former UFC middleweight champion himself, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive, high-pressure striking style to the cage. His career resume includes 12 victories by knockout, four by submission, and 14 by decision, highlighting his well-rounded capabilities. Strickland’s recent form has been strong, securing five wins in his last seven outings, reinforcing his contention for another title shot.

Related News :

• High-Stakes Lightweight Showdown Added to Blockbuster UFC 322 Card in New York
• UFC 324: White Unveils Blockbuster Interim Lightweight Championship and Harrison-Nunes Bantamweight Showdown
• Antonio Brown Extradited to U.S. on Attempted Murder Charge Following Alleged Influencer Event Shooting
• Polish Veteran Krzysztof Jotko Sets Sights on Dual Oktagon Titles Beyond Imminent €1 Million Showdown
• New York Jets Initiate Sweeping Roster Overhaul at Trade Deadline, Securing Historic Future Draft Capital

Strickland’s journey back to title contention was bolstered by his impressive knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez in his last match at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez this past February. Known for his volume striking and unwavering forward pressure, Strickland has also earned individual accolades, including four Performance of the Night awards and one Fight of the Night bonus. His statistical achievements further emphasize his striking prowess, as he holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC middleweight division history with 1,575, and ranks second in overall UFC history with 2,307 significant strikes landed. A pivotal moment in his career was his upset victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, which was recognized as the 2024 Upset of the Year, demonstrating his capability to defy expectations and perform under pressure on the sport’s biggest stages. His previous championship reign and recent performances indicate he possesses the tools and mindset to challenge Chimaev effectively.

For bettors and enthusiasts looking for informed guidance, SportsLine’s MMA expert, Kyle Marley, has meticulously analyzed the UFC 328 card. Marley has established a strong reputation for his consistent and accurate predictions within the MMA community. Over the past three-plus years, individuals who have followed Marley’s picks with $100 wagers have seen returns nearing $10,000. His long-term track record is even more impressive, with total returns exceeding $21,000 since May 2018. Notably, Marley successfully identified five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020, following the UFC’s temporary pause due to the global pandemic, showcasing his ability to pinpoint valuable betting opportunities even in uncertain conditions. His comprehensive approach to analyzing fights, considering myriad factors from fighter styles and recent form to historical data and fight-night intangibles, has made his insights invaluable for those engaging with UFC betting markets.

The DraftKings Sportsbook odds for the main event position Khamzat Chimaev as a substantial -500 favorite, meaning a bettor would need to risk $500 to win $100. Sean Strickland is listed as the underdog at +380, indicating a $100 wager on Strickland would yield a $380 profit if he were to emerge victorious. These odds reflect Chimaev’s undefeated record and perceived dominance in the division, while Strickland’s underdog status highlights the challenge he faces against the reigning champion. Before finalizing any wagers for UFC 328, interested parties are encouraged to consult Marley’s detailed predictions and betting advice available on SportsLine.

Beyond the main event, UFC 328 features a compelling lineup of bouts on its main card. One specific prediction from Marley involves the lightweight contest between King Green (-440) and Jeremy Stephens (+340). Marley favors Green to secure a unanimous decision victory against the veteran Stephens. "Stephens is returning to the UFC for a 36th fight," Marley stated. "He is a pure striker and is dangerous with his hands. He needs to get a knockout here because Green is going to be faster, higher paced and he has more striking tools. I will take Green to win 2-3 rounds." This analysis underscores Green’s stylistic advantages in speed and technique over the power-focused Stephens, predicting a points victory for Green.

Marley’s comprehensive analysis extends to all other matchups on the UFC 328 card, including the Chimaev vs. Strickland title fight. He has identified additional fighters he believes are positioned for significant victories, particularly backing a fighter described as "the cleaner striker" to emerge triumphant in another main card bout. His complete set of picks and detailed rationale for each fight are available exclusively through SportsLine, providing bettors with expert guidance across the entire event.

The full main card for UFC 328, with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook (subject to change), is as follows:

• Khamzat Chimaev (-500) vs. Sean Strickland (+380)
• Joshua Van (+130) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-155)
• Alexander Volkov (-125) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+105)
• Sean Brady (-198) vs. Joaquin Buckley (+164)
• King Green (-440) vs. Jeremy Stephens (+340)

UFC 328 promises an evening of high-stakes mixed martial arts action, headlined by a pivotal middleweight championship bout. With Khamzat Chimaev’s undefeated streak on the line against the seasoned former champion Sean Strickland, and a strong undercard featuring a mix of rising contenders and veteran fighters, the event is set to deliver significant moments for the sport. The expert insights from Kyle Marley offer a valuable resource for those looking to navigate the betting landscape of this anticipated fight night.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Ali Akbar Rosady

Latest entries

• MMAMay 31, 2026UFC 328: Chimaev and Strickland Set for Middleweight Title Showdown in Newark, Expert Predictions Revealed
• MMAMay 31, 2026UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria Defines His Pantheon of All-Time Greats and Blueprint for the Perfect Mixed Martial Artist
• MMAMay 31, 2026Trailblazers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Set for Historic Netflix MMA Debut This Saturday
• MMAMay 31, 2026Arman Tsarukyan Advises Ilia Topuria to Pursue Islam Makhachev Bout, Highlighting Strategic Advantages and Divisional Stakes.