Chimaev vs Strickland Grudge Match Set for UFC 328 Middleweight Title Fight
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially confirmed a highly anticipated middleweight title showdown between champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland. This grudge match will headline UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on 9 May 2026.
Title Defence and Personal Rivalry Collide
This bout represents Chimaev's first defence of the UFC middleweight championship he captured by dominating Dricus Du Plessis with a wrestling clinic. The undefeated Russian fighter, now 31 years old, has appeared nearly unstoppable inside the Octagon, with only health and travel issues proving more challenging than his opponents.
For Strickland, this fight offers an opportunity to reclaim the championship he held from September 2023 until January 2024. The controversial American fighter, now 35, famously dethroned Israel Adesanya in one of the sport's greatest upsets before losing the belt in his first defence against Dricus Du Plessis via decision. Strickland attempted to regain the title in a February rematch with Du Plessis but suffered another decision loss.
Training Session Controversy Fuels Animosity
The personal animosity between these fighters stems from their history as former training partners. Chimaev recently claimed he submitted Strickland during a past training session, a claim Strickland vehemently denies.
"No, he didn't submit me," Strickland countered. "We were doing positional grappling. 'Alright, start on my back,' and I was like... first round, I let him choke me, because no one gives a damn."
Strickland escalated his criticism, calling Chimaev "a damn bully" who allegedly selects smaller, lower-level training partners rather than challenging himself against tougher opponents. He referenced Chimaev's 2022 welterweight bout against Gilbert Burns, which remains the most competitive fight of Chimaev's career, as evidence that Chimaev struggles against determined opposition.
Additional UFC Fight Announcements
Alongside the Chimaev-Strickland main event, the UFC announced several other significant matchups on Thursday. Five Fight Night main events have been scheduled:
- 25 April: Aljamain Sterling vs Youssef Zalal
- 2 May: Beneil Dariush vs Quillan Salkilld
- 16 May: Britain's Arnold Allen vs Melquizael Costa
- 30 May: Song Yadong vs Deiveson Figueiredo
- 6 June: Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim
These announcements signal an action-packed period for the promotion as it builds toward the highly personal championship clash between two of its most outspoken middleweight contenders.
