Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland face off for the first time for Chimaev’s UFC middleweight title and the bad blood between them has been long simmering.
It boiled over Thursday in the promotional stare-down when Chimaev kicked Strickland in the shin as UFC CEO Dana White stood between them. The bad blood between them seems real, as Strickland has previously threatened to shoot Chimaev if Chimaev’s fans were to attack him.
Chimaev is a heavy favorite to retain his title in the fight in Newark, NJ. It will be streamed on Paramount+.
When is UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland?
The UFC middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland is set for Saturday, May 9, with main event coverage beginning at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT. Walkouts for the main event should begin around 8:30 p.m. MT/9:30 p.m. CT. Early prelims begin at 3 p.m.
What channel is the UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland
The UFC middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland will be carried on Paramount+.
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland odds
From BetMGM.com
Chimaev -550, Strickland +400
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland predictions
CBS Sports Brian Campbell: Ankalaev to win by decision
Campbell writes:””Expect a spirited effort from Strickland but one that comes up short over the 25-minute distance as the combination of Chimaev’s takedowns and fluid striking will overcome Strickland’s stubborn ability to survive five rounds. “
Bloody Elbow: Chimaev by submission
Jordan Ellis writes: “I can absolutely imagine Sean Strickland surviving an early onslaught and stopping an exhausted Khamzat Chimaev in the later rounds. Do I think that’s going to happen? No. I think the UFC middleweight champion is one of the best fighters in MMA, and he’ll prove it by submitting Strickland early on Saturday night.”
MMA Mania: Chimaev to win boring fight
Jessee Holland writes: “I don’t see (Strickland) beating Khamzat unless an overconfident “Borz” beats himself and tries that dumb “Canelo Hands” strategy that cost Belal Muhammad the welterweight title. Sadly, a victory for Chimaev translates to a fight that is a slow-paced, tepid affair, which can be a lot to ask of fans who are already burned out after sitting there for a couple of hours. Yawn.”
Betting Pros: Chimaev to win
Trent Conner writes: “This fight is a mismatch, and the odds reflect that. I do not see Strickland lasting long against a fighter as strong as Chimaev. Chimaev is projected to win via submission, but I think he has a decent chance for a ground-and-pound finish. I do think it happens earlier in the fight; however, it ends.”
UFC 328: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland full card
Main Card (7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT)
Prelims (5 p.m. MT/3 p.m. CT)
Early Prelims (3 p.m. MT/4 p.m. CT)
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Chimaev vs Strickland: UFC 328 fight details, odds
Reporting by Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
