UFC 328: Experts back Chimaev title defence as Newark card takes shape
Odds and predictions released for the middleweight title bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, alongside the flyweight defence between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira.
Two championship bouts are scheduled to headline the UFC's return to Newark on Saturday night, with the main event featuring Khamzat Chimaev making his first defence of the middleweight title against former champion Sean Strickland. The co-main event sees flyweight champion Joshua Van defend his belt against challenger Tatsuro Taira. CBS Sports has released a comprehensive breakdown of the fight card, including specific predictions and odds data provided by DraftKings Sportsbook as of 8 May.
The main event is driven by significant personal animosity between the fighters, having already exchanged threats prior to the announcement. Chimaev notably kicked Strickland during a pre-fight press conference, setting a tone of hostility for the Octagon. While Strickland enters the bout as a former middleweight champion who recorded the 2024 Upset of the Year against Israel Adesanya, the betting markets list him as a significant underdog. DraftKings currently prices Chimaev as a heavy favourite at -590, reflecting the disparity in perceived grappling capabilities.
CBS Sports experts have largely agreed that Chimaev's elite grappling will be the deciding factor against Strickland's one-dimensional striking style. Analysts suggest that Strickland's ability to survive against elite grapplers like Dricus du Plessis does not translate to the same level of threat against Chimaev. The consensus among the panel indicates that Chimaev will utilise ground-and-pound or a submission to secure a victory, noting that Strickland lacks the one-shot power to deter the champion from closing the distance and initiating takedowns.
In the co-main event, the flyweight division presents a more contested narrative. Joshua Van, a 24-year-old breakout star, faces Tatsuro Taira in a bout that has drawn criticism regarding the legitimacy of Van's previous title win over Alexandre Pantoja. That earlier victory resulted from an injury occurring just 26 seconds into the fight, a detail that fuels the narrative surrounding Van's motivation. CBS Sports experts remain split on the outcome, with some leaning towards Van due to his superior takedown defence and boxing, while others suggest Taira could secure a win via decision or a single-round stoppage.
The card also features a heavyweight clash between Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, adding depth to the promotion's return to the Prudential Center. While specific betting recommendations from analyst Kyle Marley for the main event are withheld behind a paywall, the broader expert consensus points towards a dominant performance by the defending champion. The event is scheduled to air live on Paramount+ at approximately 9 p.m. ET, offering viewers a full look at the predictions and the subsequent action.
