The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is set to host UFC 328, an event topped by a significant middleweight championship bout between the current titleholder, Khamzat Chimaev, and former champion Sean Strickland.
Chimaev will defend his 185-pound belt for the first time against Strickland, who earned his title shot by defeating Anthony Hernandez via knockout in February. This matchup is considered one of the most anticipated main events of 2026.
The co-main event at UFC 328 will feature Joshua Van’s inaugural defense of his flyweight championship. His challenger is Tatsuro Taira, who enters the fight on the back of a dominant win over Brandon Moreno late last year.
Additionally, a potential heavyweight title eliminator bout is scheduled, with the rising star Waldo Cortes-Acosta facing the veteran contender Alexander Volkov.
However, before the main card, four preliminary fights will take place, including a featherweight contest between the in-form Pat Sabatini and the powerful French striker William Gomis.
UFC 328 Early Prelim Results and Highlights
- Middleweight Bout: Roman Kopylov defeated Marco Tulio by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
- Featherweight Bout: Pat Sabatini defeated William Gomis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
- Middleweight Bout: Baisangur Susurkaev defeated Djorden Santos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12 of Round 3.
- Flyweight Bout: Jose Ochoa defeated Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
English Translation and Paraphrasing:
UFC 328 is making its return to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, featuring a packed card. The main event is a highly anticipated middleweight title fight between the reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev, and the former champion, Sean Strickland.
After earning the 185-pound crown with a decisive victory over Dricus du Plessis in August, Chimaev will face Strickland, who secured his position as the first challenger by knocking out Anthony Hernandez in the third round this past February.
Also on the UFC 328 card, Joshua Van will make his first defense of the flyweight world championship. His opponent, Tatsuro Taira, is coming off an impressive win against Brandon Moreno at the end of last year and aims to dethrone Van early.
Concluding the top-tier fights, a potential heavyweight title eliminator will see the rapidly ascending Waldo Cortes-Acosta face off against the consistently strong contender Alexander Volkov.
Before these major bouts, there are four exciting early preliminary fights, including a matchup between the on-a-streak standout Pat Sabatini and the French knockout specialist William Gomis.
UFC 328 Early Prelim Results and Highlights
- Middleweight Bout: Roman Kopylov defeated Marco Tulio via unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 29-28.
- Featherweight Bout: Pat Sabatini emerged victorious against William Gomis by unanimous decision. The scorecards read 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Sabatini.
- Middleweight Bout: Baisangur Susurkaev submitted Djorden Santos in the third round at 4:12 with a rear-naked choke.
- Flyweight Bout: Jose Ochoa secured a dominant unanimous decision win over Clayton Carpenter, with the judges all scoring the bout 30-27.