Ali Akbar Rosady
Newark, N.J. – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host its highly anticipated UFC 328 event this Saturday, May 9, 2026, live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The fight card is headlined by a pivotal middleweight championship bout featuring the undefeated reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev, defending his title against the formidable third-ranked contender and former division kingpin, Sean Strickland. The five-bout main card is slated to commence at approximately 9 p.m. ET, exclusively broadcast on Paramount+.
Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, 32, enters the octagon with an unblemished professional mixed martial arts record of 15-0, including a perfect 9-0 run since joining the UFC. Chimaev’s ascent through the ranks has been marked by a blend of overwhelming power and technical prowess, securing six victories by knockout, six by submission, and three by decision. His last outing at UFC 319 in August saw him emerge victorious via unanimous decision over Dricus du Plessis in what was perceived as a challenging, high-stakes encounter, solidifying his status as champion. Chimaev has distinguished himself with numerous accolades within the promotion, earning six Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night award. Beyond the octagon, his impact has been recognized with the 2020 Newcomer of the Year and Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year awards, alongside the 2024 President’s Choice Fight of the Year. Historically, Chimaev holds several significant UFC records, including the most total strikes landed in a single UFC fight with 529, the most total ground strikes landed with 517, and the most total head strikes landed with 411. His aggressive offensive output is further highlighted by holding the second-most total strikes attempted in a UFC fight, totaling 567. As the first Chechen-born fighter to claim a UFC championship, Chimaev’s career trajectory continues to draw considerable attention.
Standing opposite the champion is Sean "Tarzan" Strickland, 35, a seasoned veteran with a professional record of 30-7. Strickland’s journey in MMA has been characterized by his relentless pressure, high-volume striking, and an often-unorthodox approach. His career boasts 12 victories by knockout, four by submission, and 14 by decision. Strickland arrives at this title opportunity on the back of strong recent form, having won five of his last seven contests. His most recent triumph came in February at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez, where he delivered a decisive knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez. A former UFC middleweight champion himself, Strickland’s experience at the pinnacle of the sport is undeniable. He has been recognized with four Performance of the Night awards and one Fight of the Night honor. A defining moment in his career came at UFC 293 in 2024, where he secured the Upset of the Year against then-champion Israel Adesanya, a victory that underscored his ability to overcome significant odds and dominate elite competition. Strickland’s offensive output is reflected in his record-breaking statistics: he holds the most significant strikes landed in UFC middleweight division history with 1,575, and ranks second overall in UFC history for total significant strikes landed with 2,307.
Ahead of the highly anticipated event, expert analysis and betting lines have been released. DraftKings Sportsbook lists Khamzat Chimaev as a substantial -500 favorite, meaning a bet of $500 would be required to yield a $100 profit. Sean Strickland, conversely, is positioned as a +380 underdog, indicating a $100 wager could return $380 if he pulls off the upset. These odds reflect Chimaev’s undefeated record and perceived dominance, positioning him as a significant challenge for any contender.
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SportsLine’s elite MMA analyst, Kyle Marley, has provided his comprehensive predictions and betting advice for UFC 328. Marley, known for his consistent success in the MMA betting landscape, has demonstrated a remarkable track record. Over the past three and a half years, $100 bettors following Marley’s selections have accrued nearly $10,000 in profits, with his overall returns exceeding $21,000 since May 2018. His analytical prowess was particularly evident in 2020 when he accurately predicted five consecutive main-event underdog winners following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to the global pandemic. His detailed approach to fight analysis has consistently delivered substantial returns for SportsLine members over the past five years.
Marley’s detailed breakdown of the Chimaev vs. Strickland main event, alongside other matchups on the card, is highly sought after. While his complete picks are available exclusively through SportsLine, he offered insight into one of the main card’s preliminary bouts. Marley has endorsed King Green (-440) to secure a unanimous decision victory over Jeremy Stephens (+340) in their lightweight encounter. Providing his rationale, Marley stated, "Stephens is returning to the UFC for a 36th fight. 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 highlights Stephens’ veteran status and striking capabilities against Green’s perceived advantages in speed, pace, and diverse offensive tools.
The UFC 328 main card features an array of compelling matchups beyond the championship headliner:
- Joshua Van (+130) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-155): This flyweight contest pits two promising talents against each other. Taira, a rising prospect, enters as the slight favorite, reflecting his unbeaten UFC record and dynamic skill set. Van, a tenacious competitor, will look to upset the odds and climb the divisional ladder.
- Alexander Volkov (-125) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+105): A heavyweight clash that promises explosive action. Volkov, a veteran with significant striking power and experience against top contenders, is a narrow favorite. Cortes-Acosta, known for his athleticism and powerful boxing, will aim to capitalize on his underdog status and make a statement in the division.
- Sean Brady (-198) vs. Joaquin Buckley (+164): This welterweight bout features a stylistic clash between a grappling specialist and a knockout artist. Brady, the favorite, is renowned for his relentless wrestling and submission game. Buckley, on the other hand, possesses explosive striking and the ability to end fights with a single blow, setting the stage for a classic striker vs. grappler dynamic.
- King Green (-440) vs. Jeremy Stephens (+340): As highlighted by Kyle Marley, this lightweight matchup pits the experience and power of Stephens against the speed and versatility of Green. Stephens, a long-time fan favorite, returns to the UFC octagon for his 36th career fight in the promotion, seeking to defy the odds against the favored Green.
UFC 328 offers a blend of championship stakes, rising stars, and veteran showdowns, ensuring a night of high-octane mixed martial arts action. Fans looking to follow Kyle Marley’s expert picks and detailed analysis for the Chimaev vs. Strickland title fight and the entire UFC 328 card can find his complete selections and betting insights at SportsLine. The event underscores the UFC’s continued commitment to delivering top-tier combat sports, with the middleweight title fight serving as a defining moment for both champion Chimaev and challenger Strickland. The Prudential Center is poised to host a memorable night as the elite athletes of the UFC vie for supremacy.
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