It's Personal Now. UFC 328 Preview
- Benjamin Furnish
- May 8
- 4 min read
On May 9th, the UFC returns to the fight capital of the East Coast, New Jersey, for a stacked night of fights at UFC 328. From rising contenders to championship-level matchups, the card is loaded from top to bottom, but all eyes should be fixed on the middleweight main event.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland
Undefeated superstar Khamzat Chimaev clashes with former middleweight champion Sean Strickland in a fight that could define the future of the division.
For years, Khamzat Chimaev has felt like an unavoidable force.
Ever since he arrived in the UFC, Chimaev has dismantled opponents with terrifying efficiency. Whether through suffocating wrestling, explosive striking, or relentless pressure, the Chechen-born champion has looked levels above nearly everyone placed in front of him.
After years of injuries, cancelled bouts and only one fight a year, we now get to see Chimaev compete at only the highest level.
The undefeated contender stormed through the middleweight division, finishing elite opposition and establishing himself as the most feared fighter at 185 pounds.
Now, he enters UFC 328 with the chance to defend his undisputed UFC gold finally.
Across from him stands one of the toughest and most unpredictable fighters in the sport.
Sean Strickland has built his reputation on durability, pressure, and mental warfare.
After shocking the MMA world by defeating Israel Adesanya to capture the middleweight title, Strickland transformed himself into one of the UFC’s biggest stars. Even after losing the belt, Strickland remained a fixture at the top of the division, earning gritty victories and proving that his championship run was no accident.
Now, he faces perhaps the most dangerous opponent of his career.
Stylistically, this matchup is simple on paper.
Chimaev’s game plan is obvious: pressure Strickland immediately, force him backwards, chain wrestle relentlessly, and dominate the grappling exchanges.
Once Chimaev gets hold of his opponents, escaping becomes nearly impossible.
His transitions from takedowns to dominant positions are among the best in MMA, and his aggression overwhelms even elite-level competition.
But Sean Strickland presents a unique challenge.
Strickland’s jab, defensive awareness, and constant forward pressure make him one of the most difficult fighters in the UFC to control on the feet.
Unlike many fighters who panic under Chimaev’s pressure, Strickland thrives in uncomfortable fights.
He is willing to absorb damage. He is willing to fight exhausted. And most importantly, he refuses to back down.
For Strickland, the key is forcing Chimaev into extended striking exchanges. If he can defend the early takedowns and make Chimaev work at a brutal pace, the championship rounds could heavily favour the former champion.
Cardio has occasionally been a question surrounding Chimaev, and against a fighter with Strickland’s pressure and durability, that could become a massive factor.
Another major storyline is the mental battle.
Few MMA fighters weaponise psychological warfare like Sean Strickland.
But Chimaev appears completely unfazed by chaos. If anything, he embraces it.
This feels like a collision between two unstoppable personalities.
One is an undefeated destroyer searching for his long-awaited coronation.
The other is a battle-tested veteran determined to reclaim the throne.
Will Khamzat Chimaev start his reign as the UFC’s next dominant champion?
Or will Sean Strickland shock the world once again?
Joshua Van vs Tatsuro Taira
The co-main event showcases the future of the flyweight division as rising Japanese star Tatsuro Taira faces sensational young champ Joshua Van.
At just 26 years old, Tatsuro Taira has already emerged as one of the most technically gifted fighters in the division.
Calm, composed, and methodical, Taira has built his dominant rise through elite grappling, sharp timing, and a maturity beyond his years. Many fans have viewed him as a future champion ever since his UFC debut, and now he stands one win away from the belt.
But across from him is the second youngest champ in UFC history, hungry to prove he’s here to stay.
Joshua Van’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
After bursting into the flyweight rankings with his aggressive boxing style and fearless attitude, Van quickly transformed from prospect to legitimate contender. His breakout performances against elite competition proved he belongs among the best in the world.
Stylistically, this matchup is fascinating.
Taira thrives when fights become technical and controlled. His grappling transitions are incredibly smooth, and once he establishes dominant positions, he rarely loses them.
Van, meanwhile, fights with explosive speed and offensive aggression.
His boxing combinations, pressure, and willingness to engage make him one of the most dangerous strikers in the flyweight division.
For Taira, the objective is clear: slow the fight down, create grappling exchanges, and drag Van into deep waters.
For Van, the mission is the opposite.
Keep the fight standing. Push the pace. And force Taira into a chaotic striking battle.
The flyweight division has long searched for its next generation of stars, and this fight will determine exactly who leads the future.
Will Tatsuro Taira continue his controlled rise toward UFC gold?
Or will Joshua Van prove that a new era has officially arrived?
Main Card
The rest of the main card features several pivotal matchups with massive divisional implications.
Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov returns against surging ‘Salsa Boy’ Waldo Cortes-Acosta in a crucial clash that could shake up the heavyweight rankings.
Meanwhile, fans will also be keeping a close eye on undefeated Russian prospect Baisangur Susurkaev, who makes his highly anticipated appearance on the prelims.
Many believe Susurkaev has all the tools to become the UFC’s next breakout star, with his dominant grappling, relentless pressure, and composed finishing ability already drawing comparisons to some of the sport’s elite contenders.
As the UFC continues its massive year, UFC 328 feels like one of the most important cards yet.
Safe to say, fans are in for a night to remember.
Written by Jason Renaud
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