Khamzat Chimaev puts his undefeated record and UFC middleweight title on the line at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, headlining a card that also features a flyweight title contest between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira. The event streams live in the United States exclusively on Paramount Plus, which secured UFC broadcast rights from ESPN at the start of this year. For combat sports enthusiasts, this is one of the most loaded cards in recent memory.
The Main Event and What Makes It Compelling
Chimaev enters at 15-0-0, a record that has made him one of the most discussed figures in the 185-pound division. His opponent, Sean Strickland, arrives with a record of 30-7-0 and firsthand knowledge of what it means to hold the middleweight title - he held it previously before losing it. That history gives the bout a specific texture: a former holder looking to reclaim, facing an undefeated current champion making his first title defense.
The betting lines reflect a significant gap in perceived probability. Chimaev is favored at -550, with Strickland listed as a +400 underdog, according to the official UFC website. A -550 favorite implies bookmakers assign a high likelihood of a Chimaev victory, though Strickland's experience and previous title reign make him a credible threat rather than a symbolic challenger. Title defenses carry their own pressures distinct from the pursuit of a belt - Chimaev has never been in this position before, and that novelty matters.
The Co-Main Event and the Rest of the Card
The flyweight contest between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira adds a second title dimension to the evening. The flyweight division, which operates at a 125-pound limit, has historically produced technically precise and high-volume exchanges given the premium placed on speed and endurance at that weight class. A title bout at flyweight alongside a middleweight title contest makes this card unusual in its density of high-stakes action.
The remainder of the card rounds out as follows:
- Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta - heavyweight
- Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley - welterweight
- King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens - lightweight
Volkov, a recognized presence in the heavyweight division known for his striking range and technical output, faces Cortes Acosta in what should be a physically contrasting contest. Brady and Buckley meet in a welterweight pairing that adds further competitive depth below the title bouts.
How to Watch UFC 328 and What Paramount Plus Offers
Paramount Plus is the sole US destination for this event. The platform offers two pricing tiers: the Essential plan at $9 per month carries advertising but provides full UFC access, while the Premium tier at $14 per month adds ad-free on-demand viewing, Showtime programming, and a 24/7 live stream of local CBS affiliates. Both tiers cover UFC 328 in full.
For viewers outside the United States - or American subscribers who find themselves traveling internationally - a virtual private network (VPN) provides a workable solution. A VPN reroutes a user's connection through a server in a selected country, effectively reassigning the apparent geographic location of the device. This allows access to region-locked services. The important caveat: the streaming subscriptions tied to US-based payment methods are what make this viable, so it is primarily useful for Americans temporarily abroad rather than foreign viewers seeking a workaround.
The Venue
The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey serves as the host arena. The facility is best known as the home ice for the New Jersey Devils and also hosts the New York Sirens and the Seton Hall men's basketball program. It is a well-established major events venue with a capacity that suits a high-profile UFC card. Newark's proximity to New York City means the event draws from one of the largest metropolitan audiences in the country, which typically produces a charged and vocal crowd atmosphere.
