Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reports:
- The fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland is targeted for UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with the main card starting around 9:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S.[1][2]
- Several outlets and reports from March–April 2026 corroborate the May 9 date for this matchup, framing it as a high-stakes middleweight contest that could influence title contention.[2][4]
- Note: There were rumors and conflicting reports suggesting changes or issues (including possible cancellations) in March 2026, but the May 9 date remained the most consistently cited target across multiple sources as of late April 2026. If you’re checking this closer to the event date, verify with official UFC communications or major sports outlets for any last-minute changes.[5][9]
Illustration: If UFC 328 proceeds as scheduled, it would feature Chimaev vs. Strickland as a marquee bout on the main card at 9:00 PM ET, with the event location in Newark, NJ.[1][2]
Citations:
- UFC 328 date and venue details[1]
- Independent report confirming May 9 showdown and venue[2]
- Additional outlets noting ongoing discussions around the matchup for May 9[4]
Sources
A sports reporter who is close to Khamzat Chimaev has leaked the date he is set to defend his UFC title. Last August at UFC 319, 'Borz' successfully dethroned Dricus Du Plessis for his middleweight…
www.yardbarker.comSean Strickland Khamzat Chimaev Dana White announced a major welterweight matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland scheduled for May 9, 2026 at the Credential Center. This fight announcement was part of a larger slate of UFC fight cards revealed by White, marking significant movement in the welterweight division. The bout represents a key test for both fighters' title aspirations in one of the UFC's most competitive weight classes. Chimaev and Strickland are both ranked contenders...
agentmma.comSean Strickland has claimed he will "shoot" UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev.
www.sportingnews.comKhamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland prepare for battle at UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. They will vie for the UFC Middleweight Championship.
ringside24.comSean Strickland Khamzat Chimaev Dana White announced Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland for May 9 at the Credential Center, as discussed on The Ariel Helwani Show. This middleweight clash pits the unbeaten grappler against the former champion in a high-stakes test amid title picture shifts. It matters for middleweight, potentially vaulting Chimaev to contention or solidifying Strickland's resilience post-losses. The formal announcement via phone signals UFC's push for blockbuster matchups....
agentmma.comThere has been a report that seems to have given away the date of Khamzat Chimaev’s first UFC title defence. Chimaev took the middleweight belt from Dricus Du Plessis last August, putting together a strong five-round showing at UFC 319.
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