UFC 328 just wrapped up, and honey, it was a night for the history books! Prudent Center in Newark, N.J. was absolutely buzzing last night (Saturday, May 9, 2026) as fight fans witnessed some serious upsets, epic comebacks, and one very disappointed "Borz." Let's spill the tea on who soared and who flopped.
The Biggest Winners
Sean Strickland: Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk, Reclaim the Title!
If there’s one thing Sean Strickland knows how to do, it’s run his mouth. And guess what? He backed it up! He came into UFC 328 as the underdog, facing off against Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter many considered the boogeyman of the UFC. Everyone was counting him out, but Strickland, ever the contrarian, pulled off a stunning upset.
The first five minutes looked dicey for Strickland as Chimaev brought his A-game on the grappling front, dominating the early game. But then, something shifted. Strickland, proving he's more than just a loudmouth, cranked up his takedown defense. Chimaev, perhaps surprised by the resistance, started thinking twice about going for more takedowns, effectively keeping the fight on its feet.
While neither fighter completely outclassed the other in striking exchanges — both had their moments, honey — it was Strickland who ultimately swayed the judges. In a nail-biting, razor-thin split decision, he snatched the win, becoming a two-time UFC Middleweight champion! Not only did he become the first person to truly "tame" Borz, but he solidified his reign at the top of the Middleweight division. Many doubters are eating their words today, and this performance is definitely going down as one of his best.
Joshua Van: Silence the Haters, Keep the Belt!
Joshua Van, our Flyweight champ, had a bit of a cloud over his head. How he initially got his belt was, well, unconventional. His opponent, Alexandre Pantoja, suffered an unfortunate fluke injury, leading to Van's ascension. But at UFC 328, Van didn't just fight; he put on a clinic and shut down every single one of his critics.
He faced Tatsuro Taira in a co-main event that was pure fireworks. For nearly 25 minutes, these two went to absolute war. Van showcased his entire arsenal, but it was his striking game that truly shone. It was crisp, it was effective, and Taira’s bloody face by the end was all the proof you needed.
In the final round, Van secured a technical knockout victory, retaining his championship. Now, there's been some chatter about the stoppage being a bit "controversial," but you can’t deny Van’s incredible performance. This win, loud and clear, declares him the undisputed best 125-pound fighter in the game right now. No more questions, just pure dominance.
The Biggest Loser
Khamzat Chimaev: From Dominant "Borz" to Disappointed Doggie
Oh, Khamzat. Sweet, dominant Khamzat. The night started out like typical Chimaev fashion: pure, unadulterated dominance in the opening round. Everyone thought, "Here we go, same old Borz, steamrolling another opponent." But then, Strickland turned up the heat on his takedown defense, and suddenly, the game changed.
Chimaev’s performance after that initial burst left a lot to be desired. While he did try to ramp up the intensity in the later championship rounds, it wasn't enough. When you're a fighter with Khamzat’s reputation, fans and critics expect that "dominant self" every single time. And last night? It just wasn't his night. Strickland deserves massive credit for pulling Chimaev out of his comfort zone and breaking his rhythm.
Of course, the whispers have already started. Many are pointing to the brutal 46-pound weight cut Chimaev had to endure to make weight as a major factor. Arman Tsarukyan even spilled the tea on how rough the cut was. But let's be real: making weight in a healthy manner is part of the job. You gotta do it right.
Now, with his first professional loss staring him in the face, all Chimaev can do is pick himself up, learn from it, and come back stronger. And according to UFC CEO Dana White, that comeback might not even be at 185 pounds. White hinted that Chimaev could be heading up to the Light Heavyweight division for his next move. Only time will tell if "Borz" can reclaim his monstrous aura or if this loss marks a turning point.
That's the lowdown, folks! UFC 328 gave us drama, triumph, and a whole lot to talk about. Don't touch that dial, because the MMA world never stops spinning!
