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Predictions

UFC 328 Predictions: Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland Clash in Middleweight Title Eliminator

By Team Reign·May 6, 2026 • 1:02 PM

UFC 328 heads into May with a high-stakes Middleweight collision and a veteran-heavy Light Heavyweight main event. Our analyst breaks down all ten matchups, including Chimaev's toughest test yet and the return of legends like Jim Miller and Jeremy Stephens.

UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland - Full Preview and Predictions

UFC 328 returns to the international stage on May 10, 2026, with a card that blends elite championship stakes with fan-favorite veteran matchups. The spotlight shines on the Middleweight division as Khamzat Chimaev looks to remain undefeated against the ever-dangerous Sean Strickland, while the main event features a surprising but explosive Light Heavyweight clash between Jeremy Stephens and King Green.

Jeremy Stephens vs. King Green (Light Heavyweight)

In a headlining bout at 205 lbs, Jeremy Stephens (31-21-0) brings his legendary knockout power (21 KOs) to a new weight class against King Green (13-12-0). While Green possesses slick boxing and a higher takedown accuracy (50%), Stephens' ability to end a fight with a single strike (46.2% finish rate) remains a threat that Green's low 14.3% finish rate may struggle to match.

  • Prediction: Jeremy Stephens by KO/TKO
  • Confidence: Low

Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)

This marquee matchup pits the volume-heavy boxing of Sean Strickland against the unstoppable grappling of Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev (15-0-0) boasts a 53.7% takedown accuracy and a 50% finish rate, which will serve as the ultimate test for Strickland's defensive wrestling and jab-heavy offensive rhythm.

  • Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev by Submission
  • Confidence: Medium

Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Alexander Volkov (Heavyweight)

Alexander Volkov (40-11-0) enters this contest with a massive experience advantage and an 80-inch reach. Cortes-Acosta (17-2-0) is an athletic striker, but Volkov's technical striking accuracy (60%) and superior size should allow him to control the distance over three rounds.

  • Prediction: Alexander Volkov by Decision
  • Confidence: High

Yaroslav Amosov vs. Joel Álvarez (Welterweight)

Joel Álvarez (4-1-0) welcomes UFC newcomer Yaroslav Amosov (0-0-0) in a Welterweight clash. Alvarez is a dangerous threat on the feet with a 63.6% strike accuracy and has the length at 6'3" to frustrate a newcomer who lacks established UFC statistics.

  • Prediction: Joel Álvarez by Decision
  • Confidence: Medium

Tatsuro Taira vs. Joshua Van (Flyweight)

Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0) is one of the brightest prospects in the flyweight division, carrying 8 submission wins into this matchup. Joshua Van (16-2-0) is a tough out with 63.6% takedown accuracy, but Taira's elite ground game and 60.1% strike accuracy provide more paths to a finish.

  • Prediction: Tatsuro Taira by Submission
  • Confidence: High

Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady (Welterweight)

This is a classic power-versus-process matchup. Joaquin Buckley (21-7-0) has a terrifying 75% finish rate with 14 KOs, but Sean Brady (14-2-0) is a stifling grappler who uses his 48.6% takedown accuracy and 56.3% strike accuracy to neutralize explosive athletes.

  • Prediction: Sean Brady by Decision
  • Confidence: Medium

Ozzy Diaz vs. Ateba Gautier (Middleweight)

Ateba Gautier (4-0-0) puts his perfect record on the line against the experienced Ozzy Diaz (10-3-0). Gautier has demonstrated perfect takedown accuracy in his career thus far, and his ability to dictate where the fight takes place should be the deciding factor against Diaz's 79-inch reach.

  • Prediction: Ateba Gautier by Decision
  • Confidence: Medium

Mateusz Rebecki vs. Grant Dawson (Lightweight)

In a battle of high-level Lightweight grapplers, Grant Dawson (25-4-0) brings a 37.5% finish rate and 11 submission wins to the octagon. Rebecki (21-5-0) is a physical powerhouse with 9 KOs, but Dawson's chain-wrestling and 47.9% takedown accuracy give him the technical edge on the mat.

  • Prediction: Grant Dawson by Decision
  • Confidence: Medium

Jared Gordon vs. Jim Miller (Lightweight)

The legendary Jim Miller (35-20-0) looks to extend his record for most UFC wins against the durable Jared Gordon (21-8-0). Miller's 17 submission wins are the story here; if the fight hits the floor, the veteran's opportunistic grappling should overwhelm Gordon's 14.3% finish rate.

  • Prediction: Jim Miller by Submission
  • Confidence: Medium

Marco Tulio vs. Roman Kopylov (Middleweight)

Roman Kopylov (14-5-0) is a striking specialist with 11 knockout wins and a clinical southpaw attack. Marco Tulio (8-1-0) is efficient with a 64% strike accuracy, but Kopylov's power and experience against ranked Middleweights give him the advantage in a stand-up war.

  • Prediction: Roman Kopylov by KO/TKO
  • Confidence: High

Closing Summary

UFC 328 is a card defined by high-stakes divisional shifts. While the main event offers a heavyweight-framed clash of fan favorites, the tactical battle between Chimaev and Strickland will likely have the most immediate impact on the UFC's championship landscape. Fans can expect a night where veteran savvy is tested by the next generation of global stars.

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