Expert prediction
UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland Preview, Odds, Predictions (May 9)
- Nikola Velickovic
- May 8, 2026 at 2:52 AM EDT
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Khamzat vs. Strickland UFC 328 odds favor Chimaev at -590.
- Chimaev has won his past three fights against former champions.
- Strickland’s takedown defense will be the key in this event.
One of the most anticipated matches of the year is upon us, as Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland meet at the Prudential this Saturday.
More UFC previews and picks are available here.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, May 9, 9 pm ET
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
- How to Watch: Paramount+
Chimaev vs. Strickland Odds
Chimaev vs. Strickland Preview
Khamzat (15-0, 6 KO) is the No.5 in pound-for-pound rankings, and arguably one of the most popular fighters in the world. He has 12 wins via stoppage, and only three following a decision, though two in the past three events.
Those three bouts were against champions, former or current. He would beat Kamaru Usman via split decision, then Robert Whittaker, whom he broke his jaw, and in the most recent clash, he defeated Dricus du Plessis via unanimous decision to take the title.
THIS WAS INEVITABLE 👀@KChimaev vs @SStricklandMMA
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2026
[ #UFC328 | MAY 9 | 9pmET | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Rm4OSEWSa7
Strickland won the title against Adesanya, then lost it to du Plessis via split decision. It was a shady decision, but we can also say that about Tarzan’s next win, which was against Paulo Costa. Also, a split decision. He would face du Plessis again, losing via unanimous decision, before knocking out Anthony Hernandez.
Stickland is a vicious boxer, one of the best in the sport, and his cardio looks good as well. He has one of the best takedown defenses in the division, which could be decisive for this event.
Chimaev vs. Strickland Predictions
The big thing here is that Strickland’s boxing skills might be unused in this one if Khamzat keeps on pressuring for a takedown. We aren’t so sure if Stickland has the agility to rebuff all the attacks Chimaev plans to launch. Tarzan is probably bigger and has a stronger punch, but we aren’t so sure about his lateral movement and reflexes when facing Khamzat.
- UFC 328 Picks: Chimaev
MMA
More Predictions
UFC Vegas 123 Predictions: Moicano vs Nolan Picks, Odds and Best Bet
Best bet: Tom Nolan moneyline (-120) Bet UFC Vegas 123 at BetOnline Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan headline UFC Vegas 123 this Saturday in a lightweight matchup with plenty on the line. Moicano is fighting to stay relevant in the division, while Nolan is chasing a breakthrough win and a place in the rankings. You […]
NNikola Velickovic 2 min read
UFC 332: Full Main Card Picks, Odds & Props (Oct 3)
It’s UFC 332 week at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. A vacant women’s flyweight title is on the line, along with several high-stakes main card matchups. Here is your full breakdown, plus expert UFC picks, odds, and prop bets for Saturday’s event. How to Watch UFC 332 Main Card Preview Main Event: Natalia […]
NNikola Velickovic 3 min read
UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Preview, Odds, Picks (Sep 12)
Delgado steps into his first UFC main event on short notice following Yair Rodríguez’s injury withdrawal. He is a massive underdog against Jean Silva, though Silva prepared for a completely different rival. Here is are more MMA Odds. How to Watch Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Odds Fighter Odds Silva -425 Delgado +325 Fight Preview […]
NNikola Velickovic 2 min read
UFC Paris: Full Main Card Picks, Odds & Props
The UFC returns to the Accor Arena for its fifth annual trip to Paris. The card features 14 fights, but we are focusing on the main card, headlined by lightweight fireworks and top French talent. Here are the full betting breakdowns, UFC Paris odds, and top picks for the main card lineup. How to Watch […]
NNikola Velickovic 3 min read
UFC Shanghai Predictions, Odds & Full Fight Card Picks
It’s UFC Shanghai on the menu, with several high-stakes matchups on the main card. We are here to deliver some top-notch UFC picks, with props and plenty of other valuable information. How to Watch UFC Shanghai Main Card Preview Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) vs. Song Yadong (23-9-1) Fighter Odds Nurmagomedov -530 Yadong +375 Co-Main […]
NNikola Velickovic 3 min read