Ali Akbar Rosady
Newark, N.J. – The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is poised to host UFC 328 on Saturday, May 9, 2026, featuring a highly anticipated middleweight championship bout in the main event. Defending titleholder Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to face third-ranked contender and former champion Sean Strickland. The five-bout main card is slated to commence at approximately 9 p.m. ET, with live coverage available exclusively on Paramount+. The championship clash sees Chimaev entering as a significant favorite, with the odds reflecting his dominant career trajectory and recent performances.
Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev, at 32 years old, boasts an unblemished professional record of 15-0, including an impressive 9-0 run since his UFC debut. His career demonstrates a versatile skill set, with six victories coming by knockout, six by submission, and three by unanimous decision. Chimaev’s aggressive, grappling-heavy style has earned him a reputation as one of the most feared competitors in the sport, often overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure and powerful takedowns. His last outing saw him successfully defend his title against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August, a unanimous decision victory that showcased his championship mettle in a grueling five-round affair. This performance, while a decision, solidified his claim as a top-tier middleweight, proving his endurance and ability to perform under sustained pressure.
Chimaev has consistently impressed throughout his UFC tenure, earning six Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night award. He holds several UFC records, notably for the most total strikes landed in a UFC fight with 529, and the most total ground strikes landed with 517. His ability to control and damage opponents on the canvas is a cornerstone of his fighting philosophy. Additionally, he holds the record for most total head strikes landed with 411 and ranks second in total strikes attempted in a UFC fight with 567. Beyond his in-cage achievements, Chimaev has garnered significant recognition, including the 2020 Newcomer of the Year, Fan’s Choice Debut of the Year, and the 2024 President’s Choice Fight of the Year, highlighting his rapid ascent and impact on the sport since his arrival.
Across the octagon, Sean "Tarzan" Strickland, 35, brings a formidable professional record of 30-7 to the title challenge. Strickland’s fighting style is characterized by a high-volume, relentless boxing approach, coupled with an iron chin and unwavering grit. His career includes 12 knockout victories, four submissions, and 14 decisions, demonstrating his capability to finish fights both standing and on the ground, though he is primarily known for his striking. Strickland is a former UFC middleweight champion himself, having captured the title in a memorable upset victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in 2024, a performance that was widely recognized as the Upset of the Year. His most recent victory came via knockout against Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez this past February, a decisive performance that quickly re-established his contender status after losing the belt. This recent win underscored his readiness to reclaim the championship.
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Strickland has also been a recipient of UFC accolades, earning four Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night. He holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC middleweight division history with 1,575 and ranks second in overall significant strikes landed in UFC history with 2,307. These statistics attest to his durable, high-output striking approach that has consistently troubled opponents. His journey back to a title shot highlights his resilience and determination within the division.
In the main event, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Chimaev as a substantial -500 favorite, meaning a bettor would need to risk $500 to win $100. Strickland is positioned as the underdog at +380, indicating a $100 wager on him would yield a $380 profit if he secures the victory. These odds reflect the market’s confidence in Chimaev’s undefeated record and perceived dominance, while acknowledging Strickland’s potential for an upset given his past title run and recent knockout win.
For those looking to navigate the betting landscape of UFC 328, insights from seasoned MMA analysts are crucial. SportsLine expert Kyle Marley, a respected figure in MMA betting circles, has provided his detailed predictions and betting advice for the entire card. Marley’s expertise is well-documented; over the past three-plus years, $100 bettors who have followed his picks have seen returns nearing $10,000. Since May 2018, his consistent analysis has generated over $21,000 in profits for SportsLine members. His track record includes an impressive streak in 2020, where he correctly picked five consecutive main-event underdog winners following the UFC’s brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, solidifying his reputation for identifying value and unexpected outcomes.
Marley has meticulously analyzed the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland matchup, along with the other bouts on the UFC 328 card, to formulate his top betting picks. One of Marley’s specific predictions for UFC 328 involves the lightweight bout between King Green (-440) and Jeremy Stephens (+340) on the main card. Marley is backing King Green to win via unanimous decision. "Stephens is returning to the UFC for a 36th fight," Marley stated, emphasizing the veteran’s long career. "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 Green’s technical advantage and stamina over the powerful but aging Stephens.
Beyond the King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens encounter, Marley has formulated strong predictions for the highly anticipated Chimaev vs. Strickland championship fight and the remainder of the UFC 328 card. He has also identified another fighter on the card whom he describes as "the cleaner striker" to secure a significant victory. His complete betting picks and comprehensive analysis for UFC 328 are available exclusively through SportsLine.
The full UFC 328 main fight card, with odds provided by DraftKings and subject to change, includes:
- Khamzat Chimaev (-500) vs. Sean Strickland (+380) – Middleweight Title Bout
- Joshua Van (+130) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-155) – Flyweight Bout
- Alexander Volkov (-125) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+105) – Heavyweight Bout
- Sean Brady (-198) vs. Joaquin Buckley (+164) – Welterweight Bout
- King Green (-440) vs. Jeremy Stephens (+340) – Lightweight Bout
Fans can stream every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night live on Paramount+ at no additional cost with a subscription. Paramount+ also offers a wide array of other sports content, including the UEFA Champions League, college basketball, NFL, and Big Ten on CBS, alongside an extensive library of movies and shows. Subscription plans for Paramount+ begin at $8.99 per month. For those new to sports betting, DraftKings provides various promotional offers, which can be reviewed through dedicated platforms. Furthermore, platforms like Kalshi offer insights into sports trading, with promotional codes available for new users.
To access Kyle Marley’s detailed picks and analysis for UFC 328, including his breakdown of how the Chimaev vs. Strickland fight is expected to unfold, interested parties can visit SportsLine. Marley’s proven track record, with over $21,000 in profits on his UFC picks since May 2018, positions his insights as a valuable resource for bettors.
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