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Chimaev Set to Defend UFC Title Against Strickland

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Khamzat Chimaev will defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9.
Khamzat Chimaev will make his first title defense since winning the belt from Dricus du Plessis.
Sean Strickland recently defeated Anthony Hernandez.
He aims to reclaim the title after losing it to Dricus du Plessis in 2023.
The co-main event features heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta.

History

Historical Context

Khabib Nurmagomedov's victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in mixed martial arts, drawing a record 2.4 million pay-per-view buys. This event underscored the UFC's rise as a leading combat sports organization, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and the emergence of new fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, who continue to shape its competitive landscape.

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Story summary

Khamzat Chimaev will defend the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9.
Khamzat Chimaev will make his first title defense since winning the belt from Dricus du Plessis.
Sean Strickland recently defeated Anthony Hernandez.
He aims to reclaim the title after losing it to Dricus du Plessis in 2023.
The co-main event features heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta.

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