UFC 328 scheduled for Newark as Chimaev and Strickland headline middleweight clash
UFC CEO Dana White oversaw a volatile press conference preceding the card, while the co-main bout features a historic opportunity for Japanese fighter Tatsuro Taira.
UFC 328 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event features Khamzat Chimaev against Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title. The event will be streamed live on Paramount+, with early prelims starting at 5 p.m. ET, prelims at 7 p.m. ET, and the main card commencing at 9 p.m. ET.
The headline bout represents the culmination of a prolonged and contentious rivalry between the two fighters, which has been described as one of the ugliest builds in mixed martial arts history. UFC CEO Dana White allowed Chimaev and Strickland to face off at a press conference, during which Chimaev reportedly kicked a security guard. The chaotic energy generated by the headliners was evident as they hurled insults at each other in front of a deafening crowd response, despite a heavy police presence and security measures.
In the co-main event, Joshua Van makes his first flyweight title defence against Tatsuro Taira. The fight carries significant weight as Van and Taira are the two youngest fighters in the flyweight top 15. Taira would become the first Japanese UFC champion if he wins, a notable milestone given that Japan has never previously produced a UFC champion. Van, who won the flyweight title previously via injury, is set to defend his position against this challenge.
Paramount+ is the exclusive home for all 13 UFC numbered events and 30 UFC Fight Nights through 2033. The service is positioned as the new home for the organisation, making the sport more accessible than ever for subscribers. All Paramount+ subscribers, including those on Premium and Essential plans, can stream the event without additional fees.
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