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UFC 328: Strickland Returns to the Throne, Van Turns Back Challenger
TL;DR
At UFC 328, Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim the middleweight title in Newark, NJ. The fight showcased Strickland's resilience as he turned the tide after a challenging start.
Key points
- UFC 328 featured two championship bouts
- Khamzat Chimaev defended his title against Sean Strickland
- Strickland turned the fight around in the second round
- The event took place in Newark, New Jersey
- Strickland's victory marked his return as middleweight champion
Mentioned in this story
Newark, New Jersey
Sean StricklandKhamzat ChimaevUFC 328
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Sean Strickland (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center.
NEWARK, NJ -- The UFC returned to the Garden State on Saturday night with a stacked card of contenders vying to make their presence felt, in addition to two championship bouts. UFC 328 had already produced highlight knockouts, submissions, and a reminder that veteran experience still matters before the main card was underway.
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev entered the night undefeated and carried enormous hostility into his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland. The buildup between the two had been fierce all week, with both fighters exchanging personal shots during media appearances.
The fight began as expected, with the Chechen wrestler taking Strickland (30-7) down with ease and controlling the pace. In the second round, the champ appeared to lose steam, and the tides turned. Strickland defended a takedown and remained on top for over three minutes.
An uncharacteristically tired Chimaev (15-1) struggled to regain form throughout the contest as Strickland fought back with his patent jab. Both men stood and exchanged during the middle rounds, blooding each other’s faces. In the fifth and final round each had moments of glory before the horn rang.
The judges' scorecards were 48-47 (x2) Strickland to 48-47 Chimaev, crowning the American middleweight champion for the second time. Both showed admiration for one another as the crowd erupted for their countryman.
STRICKLAND IS ONCE AGAIN A CHAMPION 🏆🏆#UFC328 | Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/atBeCjCMVu
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) May 10, 2026
In the co-main event, flyweight champion Joshua Van (17-2) defended his title against Japanese grappling specialist Tatsuro Taira in a barn burner of a contest. The challenger landed early takedowns and looked primed to become the first ever Japanese born UFC titleholder.
Q&A
Who won the UFC 328 main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland?
Sean Strickland won the main event at UFC 328, defeating Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim the middleweight title.
What were the key moments in the fight between Chimaev and Strickland at UFC 328?
Key moments included Chimaev's early control of the fight, followed by Strickland's successful defense and dominance in the second round.
When did UFC 328 take place and where was it held?
UFC 328 took place on May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
What was the significance of Sean Strickland's victory at UFC 328?
Strickland's victory at UFC 328 marked his return to the middleweight throne, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity against a previously undefeated champion.
