Khamzat Chimaev is set to headline UFC 328 against Sean Strickland in a middleweight clash that has already sparked extra security measures and intense fight-week buzz.
Chimaev and Strickland are scheduled to meet at 185 pounds on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in the main event of UFC 328. The promotion has increased security and even discussed canceling faceoffs due to concerns about potential violence.
Despite the tension, Chimaev expressed unexpected appreciation for his opponent’s role in building the event. “I love him,” Chimaev said. “They pay good for him, so that’s the important thing. I never made that much money before. That’s good.”
Chimaev also downplayed any idea that the security presence was being enforced on his behalf. “[The increased security] is not for me,” he said. “It’s for his safety.”
Chimaev indicated that this may be his last fight at 185 pounds, adding another layer of significance to the UFC 328 main event. The bout comes after provocative comments from Strickland about confronting Chimaev during fight week, which have fed into the atmosphere around the Newark showdown.
