UFC
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Inside the UFC 328 Main Event: Chimaev vs Strickland

Khamzat Chimaev arrived in the UFC with a level of hype rarely seen for a newcomer, and he has backed it up with performances that blend wrestling dominance, striking power, and an almost unsettling calm inside the Octagon. Born in Chechnya and raised in Sweden, Chimaev burst onto the scene in 2020 with three victories in just 66 days, a feat of scheduling and performance that immediately signaled he was something different. His ability to ragdoll opponents on the ground while also demonstrating genuine knockout power on the feet has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest fighters in UFC history, and his path to the middleweight championship has been built on the kind of dominant, decisive performances that leave opponents and analysts searching for weaknesses that may not exist.

Sean Strickland represents the antithesis of Chimaev's style in many ways, yet he is every bit as dangerous. A high-output volume striker who throws an extraordinary number of punches per round, Strickland fights behind a long jab, relentless forward pressure, and a cardio engine that allows him to maintain his pace deep into championship rounds. His upset victory over Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title shocked the combat sports world and proved that his grinding, pressure-heavy approach could neutralize even the most technically gifted strikers in the division. Although he lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis in his next outing, Strickland has fought his way back into title contention with the same blue-collar determination that defines everything about his fighting career.

The co-main event between Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta adds heavyweight firepower to the card. Volkov, standing six-foot-seven with a dangerous jab and heavy hands, is one of the most experienced heavyweights on the UFC roster and a perennial contender at the top of the division. Cortes-Acosta, a rising prospect with devastating punching power and an aggressive style, brings the kind of all-or-nothing energy that heavyweight fans love. Below them on the main card, Sean Brady's world-class jiu-jitsu faces Joaquin Buckley's explosive striking at welterweight, Bobby Green and Jeremy Stephens bring decades of combined experience to their lightweight clash, and Jan Blachowicz meets Bogdan Guskov in a light heavyweight fight with potential title implications at 205 pounds.

Attending UFC events live offers an experience that no broadcast can capture. The visceral impact of strikes landing, the roar of thousands of fans reacting to a knockdown in real time, and the electric tension of championship rounds create memories that last far beyond fight night. The Prudential Center's proximity to New York City and its excellent public transit connections make it one of the most accessible UFC venues on the tour calendar, and the surrounding downtown Newark area offers a growing array of restaurants, bars, and hotels for fans looking to make a full weekend of the trip.

For fans who have never attended a live UFC event, the difference between watching on a screen and being inside the arena is impossible to overstate. Every takedown attempt, every clinch exchange, and every striking combination reverberates through the crowd in a way that creates a shared adrenaline experience unlike any other sporting event. The Prudential Center's steep seating rake ensures clear sightlines from every level, and the arena's state-of-the-art video boards keep you connected to the action even during the fastest exchanges. UFC 328's championship main event and loaded undercard make it the ideal introduction for first-time attendees and a must-see return trip for veteran fight fans alike.

How To Get UFC 328 Tickets

What is the best way to buy UFC 328 tickets?

Primary tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and the UFC website when first released. Once the initial allocation sells out, verified resale platforms like BigStub are the safest way to find remaining seats with a full buyer guarantee and no hidden fees.

What sections are available at the Prudential Center for UFC?

The Prudential Center offers floor seating closest to the Octagon, lower bowl sections with excellent elevated views, and upper deck sections for fans who want the full arena atmosphere at a lower price point. Floor seats sell out fastest, so check BigStub early if cageside proximity is your priority.

When should I arrive at the Prudential Center?

Doors typically open about an hour before the first scheduled bout. Early prelims begin in the late afternoon, with the pay-per-view main card starting at 10:00 PM ET. Arriving early lets you catch the full slate of fights and soak in the pre-fight atmosphere as the arena fills up.

Where should I stay near the Prudential Center?

Several hotels are located within walking distance of the arena in downtown Newark. For a wider range of options, Manhattan is just a short PATH train ride away, giving you access to hotels in every price range while keeping the Prudential Center within easy reach on fight night.

UFC 328 Tickets FAQ

When and where is UFC 328?

UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Who is fighting in the UFC 328 main event?

Khamzat Chimaev faces Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight championship in the five-round main event.

What time does the UFC 328 main card start?

The pay-per-view main card is expected to begin at 10:00 PM ET, with early prelims starting in the late afternoon.

How do I get to the Prudential Center from New York City?

Take the PATH train to Newark Penn Station, which is a short walk from the arena. NJ Transit trains also serve Newark Penn Station from throughout New Jersey.

What other fights are on the UFC 328 card?

The main card includes Volkov vs Cortes-Acosta at heavyweight, Brady vs Buckley at welterweight, Green vs Stephens at lightweight, and Blachowicz vs Guskov at light heavyweight.

How many people does the Prudential Center hold for UFC?

The Prudential Center seats approximately 16,514 fans in its standard arena configuration for UFC events.

Is parking available at the Prudential Center?

Yes. Multiple garages and surface lots surround the arena in downtown Newark. Pre-purchasing parking online is recommended for major UFC events.

Where can I watch UFC 328 if I cannot attend?

UFC 328 will be available on pay-per-view via Paramount+ in the United States, with prelims airing on ESPN platforms.

Are there age restrictions for attending UFC events?

UFC events are generally open to all ages, though parental discretion is advised. Children under a certain age may need to be accompanied by an adult.

What is the BigStub buyer guarantee?

Every ticket purchased through BigStub is backed by a full buyer guarantee ensuring your tickets are valid, delivered on time, and exactly as described with no hidden fees.

Can I buy UFC 328 tickets as a gift?

Yes. BigStub tickets can be transferred to another person, making them a great gift for the MMA fan in your life.

Will the full fight card change before event night?

UFC cards are subject to change as bouts are added or modified in the weeks before the event. Check ufc.com for the most current card information.