The electrifying atmosphere at UFC 328 in Newark on Saturday night set the stage for unforgettable moments across an action-packed lineup of 13 fights, culminating in two dramatic title bouts that certainly lived up to the hype.
In a stunning main event, Sean Strickland reclaimed the middleweight title, defeating Khamzat Chimaev in a surprising upset. Previously, Strickland had captured the championship by defeating Israel Adesanya in 2023, only to lose it to Dricus du Plessis in 2024. Now a two-time champion, Strickland defied the odds—entering as a +400 underdog—by expertly defending against Chimaev’s ground game and effectively using his precise jab to maintain control. Post-fight, Chimaev announced to Dana White that this would be his last bout at 185 pounds, with plans to ascend to the light heavyweight division.
The co-main event showcased Joshua Van’s tenacity as he retained the flyweight title in a thrilling bout against Tatsuro Taira. Initially, Taira gained the upper hand with strategic takedowns and control, but Van demonstrated resilience by regaining his footing and unleashing powerful boxing combinations. Although Taira mounted a counterattack with further takedowns and effective strikes, he ultimately absorbed too much damage. A decisive knockdown in Round 5 was enough for the referee to halt the action, leaving Taira devastated by the outcome. This victory solidifies Van’s status as a legitimate champion beyond any doubt.
Throughout the week, CBS Sports kept you updated with the latest news, features, and insights surrounding this monumental event. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington D.C.
UFC 328 fight card, odds, results
- Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev (c) via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
- Joshua Van (c) def. Tatsuro Taira via fifth-round TKO (punches)
- Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes Acosta via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
- King Green def. Jeremy Stephens via first-round submission (rear naked choke)
- Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz via second-round knockout (punches)
- Yaroslav Amosov def. Joel Alvarez via second-round submission (head and arm choke)
- Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rebecki via third-round submission (rear naked choke)
- Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon via first-round submission (guillotine choke)
- Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos via third-round submission (rear naked choke)
- Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
