Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is set to make his first title defense at UFC 328 on May 9, taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. ‘Borz’ will headline the highly anticipated event against former champion and fierce rival, Sean Strickland. UFC CEO Dana White officially announced this blockbuster matchup on Thursday.
The undefeated Chimaev (15-0) claimed the 185-pound championship at UFC 319 last August, where he delivered a dominant performance against then-champion Dricus du Plessis. Strickland (30-7), who previously lost to du Plessis, made a strong comeback in his last octagon appearance in February, securing a bonus-earning TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez.
Once training partners, Chimaev and Strickland have since developed a bitter animosity, frequently exchanging jabs on social media and in interviews. Strickland has openly expressed his belief that he is the only fighter in the middleweight division capable of defeating Chimaev, and he will now have the ultimate opportunity to prove his claim.
This marks the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s twelfth visit to Newark, promising another thrilling night of fights for New Jersey fans.
