UFC 328 live results: Sean Strickland makes history by becoming the first man to defeat Khamzat Chimaev, reclaiming the middleweight title in Newark. Read our full 1000-word analysis of the fight card, including Joshua Van’s title defense and Alex Volkov’s clinical win.
The Octagon returned to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for UFC 328, an event that will be remembered as the night the “unbeatable” aura of Khamzat Chimaev finally cracked. In a main event that pitted raw explosive power against relentless cardio and technical grit, Sean Strickland silenced his doubters by securing a split-decision victory to become a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion.
The Main Event: Strickland’s Tactical Masterclass
Entering the cage as a significant underdog, Sean Strickland (31-7) faced a version of Khamzat Chimaev (15-1) that many believed was destined for a long title reign. The first round played out exactly as the oddsmakers expected: Chimaev secured a takedown within the first 20 seconds, immediately transitioning to the back and threatening with a rear-naked choke. Strickland, showing the defensive wrestling improvements he has touted for years, managed to survive the “Borz” onslaught, though he lost the round clearly on all three scorecards.
However, as the fight moved into the “championship rounds,” the narrative shifted. Chimaev, who had emptied a significant portion of his gas tank in the opening frame, began to slow. Strickland’s signature “Philly Shell” defense and constant jab began to find their mark. By the third round, Strickland was the one moving forward, mocking Chimaev’s fatigue and landing crisp combinations.
The final scorecards read 47-48, 48-47, and 48-47 in favor of Strickland. With this win, Strickland becomes the only man to hold a professional victory over Chimaev, cementing his legacy as one of the most resilient fighters in the division’s history.
Co-Main Event: Joshua Van Retains Flyweight Strap
In the co-main event, Joshua Van proved that his rise to the top was no fluke. Facing the highly technical Japanese phenom Tatsuro Taira, Van survived early grappling scares to eventually find his rhythm on the feet. The fight ended in the fifth round when Van landed a devastating liver shot followed by a flurry of strikes, securing a TKO victory and his first successful title defense. Taira, who was vying to become Japan’s first UFC champion, showed incredible heart but ultimately could not match Van’s late-fight output.
Main Card Highlights
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Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: The veteran “Drago” used every inch of his reach advantage to pick apart the dangerous Cortes-Acosta. Volkov won a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28), likely setting himself up for a final run at the heavyweight title later this year.
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Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley: In a battle of top-10 welterweights, Sean Brady put on a grappling clinic. Brady accumulated over 12 minutes of control time, neutralizing Buckley’s explosive power to win a lopsided unanimous decision.
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King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens: Opening the main card, the legendary King Green made quick work of “Lil Heathen.” After hurting Stephens on the feet, Green transitioned to the ground and secured a rear-naked choke at 4:20 of the first round.
UFC 328 Full Results Table
| Bout | Winner | Method | Round/Time |
| Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev | Strickland | Split Decision | R5, 5:00 |
| Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira | Van | TKO (Strikes) | R5, 3:24 |
| Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta | Volkov | Unanimous Decision | R3, 5:00 |
| Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley | Brady | Unanimous Decision | R3, 5:00 |
| King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens | Green | Submission (RNC) | R1, 4:20 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Was the Strickland vs. Chimaev decision controversial?
A: While the decision was a split (2-1), most analysts agree that Strickland won rounds 2, 4, and 5. Chimaev’s dominance in round 1 was significant, but his lack of output in the later rounds allowed Strickland to pull ahead.
Q2: Who will Sean Strickland fight next?
A: During the post-fight press conference, Dana White hinted at a potential rematch with Dricus Du Plessis or a high-stakes clash against the winner of Adesanya’s next bout.
Q3: Is Khamzat Chimaev moving to Light Heavyweight?
A: Following the loss, Chimaev’s team suggested that the weight cut to 185 lbs is becoming increasingly difficult. However, no official announcement has been made regarding a weight class move.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides a summary of the events at UFC 328 held on May 9, 2026. All statistics and fight outcomes are based on official UFC scoring and live reporting. Sports betting involves risk; please gamble responsibly. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional sports betting advice.
Editor’s Note: The Changing of the Guard
The results of UFC 328 signal a massive shift in the Middleweight landscape. For two years, the narrative was that Chimaev was the “final boss” of the UFC. By surviving the storm and winning the long game, Sean Strickland has proved that technical boxing and elite-level cardio are still the ultimate counters to explosive wrestling. For the fans in Newark, it was a night of pure theater—and for the UFC, it ensures that the 185-pound division remains the most unpredictable and exciting weight class in the sport.
