Chimaev To Face Strickland In First Defense
Dana White has confirmed that undefeated middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) will make his first title defense against Sean Strickland (30-7).
www.yardbarker.comHere’s the latest on Chimaev vs. Strickland as of now.
- Status: The fight has been announced and targeted for UFC 328 on May 9, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey, with Khamzat Chimaev defending his title against Sean Strickland.[2][3][4]
- Developments: There were reports and video analyses suggesting both fighters were preparing for a high-profile title bout, including commentary on potential outcomes and fight strategies for UFC 328.[6][9]
- Caveat: Some videos and outlets in early April 2026 suggested the fight could be canceled or in jeopardy due to health or other issues, but subsequent reports reaffirmed the matchup for UFC 328; if you’re seeking the most current status, I can pull the latest updates and confirm any changes.[1][5]
If you’d like, I can fetch the latest reliable updates and summarize official confirmations from UFC/Dana White and major outlets, and I’ll cite them directly.