Here's the latest I can share based on recent reports:
- The UFC has been circulating a May 9, 2026 event date for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland, reportedly targeting UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. This has been echoed by multiple MMA outlets and social-media leaks, though official UFC confirmation has varied in timing.
- Some outlets also mentioned May 9 as the intended date at the Prudential Center, with UFC event details tying the bout to a main card in that venue and timeframe.
- There have been competing or conflicting reports including potential cancellations or setbacks (injury or other issues) in some late-M March to April 2026 coverage, but as of the most recent updates, May 9 remained the prominent target date in several outlets. It’s wise to monitor official UFC announcements for a final, confirmed date.
What this means for you if you’re planning to watch:
- If the May 9 date holds, the event would be UFC 328 at the Prudential Center in Newark, with a late-evening main card start time in the US and earlier prelims on UFC Fight Pass/Paramount+.
- Given the mixed coverage, I’d recommend confirming the date on UFC’s official channels or the UFC’s social media feeds closer to the event, as schedules can shift.
Would you like me to monitor for a final official confirmation and provide a concise update with the official card once it’s released? I can also pull up a quick timeline of the reported dates and sources.
Sources
Sean Strickland has claimed he will "shoot" UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev.
www.sportingnews.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.comA 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.comLas Vegas –UFC’s returns to Newark, N.J. with an exciting middleweight championship grudge match that will see Khamzat Chimaev defend against former titleholder and current No. 3 ranked contender Sean Strickland. Also, heavyweight contenders collide when No. 2 ranked Alexander Volkov battles No. 4 Waldo Cortes Acosta. UFC® 328: CHIMAEV vs. STRICKLAND takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center with the main card...
theboxinghour.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.
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...
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