UFC 328 is shaping up to be one of the biggest MMA events of 2026. The card is loaded with ranked contenders, rising prospects, former champions, and fan favorites.
The main event features an intense middleweight title clash between undefeated champion Khamzat Chimaev and former UFC champion Sean Strickland.
The event takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with 13 fights scheduled across the main card, prelims, and early prelims.
Here is the complete UFC 328 full card prediction along with fighter analysis, recent form, fighting styles, gym affiliations, and predicted winners.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland Prediction
Middleweight Main Event
Khamzat Chimaev
- Pro Record: 15-0
- Weight Class: Middleweight
- Age: 31
- Height: 6’2”
- Reach: 75 inches
- Gym: Allstars Training Center/Xtreme Couture
- Win Methods: Multiple submissions and KO victories
- Current Streak: Undefeated
Chimaev has become one of the most dangerous fighters in MMA. His wrestling pressure, explosive takedowns, and aggressive pace make him difficult to stop. He captured the UFC middleweight title and now enters his first title defense against a familiar rival.
Recent reports from fight week suggest tensions between both camps are extremely high heading into UFC 328.
Sean Strickland
- Pro Record: 30-7
- Weight Class: Middleweight
- Age: 35
- Height: 6’1”
- Reach: 76 inches
- Gym: Xtreme Couture
- Win Methods: Primarily decisions and pressure striking
- Former UFC Champion
Strickland earned another title shot after defeating Anthony Hernandez earlier this year. He relies heavily on his jab, pressure, cardio, and defensive awareness. His takedown defense will be tested against Chimaev’s elite grappling.
Prediction
Strickland’s durability and boxing could make the fight competitive early, but Chimaev’s wrestling advantage should decide the outcome.
Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via Submission (Round 3)
Joshua Van vs Tatsuro Taira Prediction
Flyweight Co-Main Event
Joshua Van
- Pro Record: 16-2
- Age: 24
- Height: 5’5”
- Gym: Fight Ready MMA
- Fighting Style: High-volume striker
Joshua Van has quickly become one of the most exciting flyweights in the UFC. His speed, combinations, and cardio create problems for every opponent.
Tatsuro Taira
- Pro Record: 18-1
- Age: 25
- Height: 5’7”
- Gym: Paraestra Okinawa
- Fighting Style: Submission grappling
Taira is one of Japan’s top MMA prospects. His grappling transitions and control are elite for the division.
Prediction
This fight could easily steal the show. Van’s striking volume may help him edge close rounds.
Prediction: Joshua Van via Decision
Alexander Volkov vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction
Heavyweight Bout
Alexander Volkov
- Pro Record: 39-11
- Height: 6’7”
- Reach: 80 inches
- Gym: Strela Team
- Win Methods: Knockouts and technical striking
Volkov remains one of the most technical heavyweights in the division.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta
- Pro Record: 17-2
- Former boxer
- Powerful striker with aggressive pressure
Prediction
Volkov’s experience and reach should create major problems for Cortes-Acosta.
Prediction: Alexander Volkov via TKO
Sean Brady vs Joaquin Buckley Prediction
Welterweight Bout
Sean Brady
- Pro Record: 18-2
- Gym: Renzo Gracie Philly
- Elite grappler and submission specialist
Joaquin Buckley
- Pro Record: 21-7
- Gym: Kill Cliff FC
- Dangerous knockout striker
Buckley has improved significantly since moving to welterweight, while Brady remains one of the strongest grapplers in the division.
Prediction
If Brady secures early takedowns, he can control the fight.
Prediction: Sean Brady via Decision
King Green vs Jeremy Stephens Prediction
Lightweight Bout
King Green
- Pro Record: 34-17-1
- Excellent boxing and cage movement
Jeremy Stephens
- Pro Record: 29-22
- Known for knockout power
Stephens returns in another entertaining matchup against veteran fan favorite King Green.
Prediction
Green’s speed and defensive movement should help him avoid Stephens’ power shots.
Prediction: King Green via Decision
Ateba Gautier vs Ozzy Diaz Prediction
Middleweight Bout
Ateba Gautier
- Pro Record: 10-1
- Explosive finisher
- Strong knockout ability
Ozzy Diaz
- Pro Record: 10-3
- Aggressive striking style
Prediction
Gautier looks like one of the most dangerous prospects on the card.
Prediction: Ateba Gautier via KO
Joel Alvarez vs Yaroslav Amosov Prediction
Welterweight Bout
Joel Alvarez
- Pro Record: 23-3
- Height: 6’3”
- Dangerous submission game
Yaroslav Amosov
- Pro Record: 29-1
- Elite wrestling background
Prediction
This matchup is extremely close. Amosov’s wrestling may become the difference-maker.
Prediction: Yaroslav Amosov via Decision
Grant Dawson vs Mateusz Rebecki Prediction
Lightweight Bout
Grant Dawson
- Pro Record: 23-3-1
- Strong grappling-heavy style
Mateusz Rebecki
- Pro Record: 20-4
- Aggressive pressure fighter
Prediction
Dawson’s control and wrestling should help him slow down Rebecki’s pressure.
Prediction: Grant Dawson via Submission
Jim Miller vs Jared Gordon Prediction
Lightweight Bout
Jim Miller
- Pro Record: 38-19
- UFC legend with elite submission skills
Jared Gordon
- Pro Record: 21-8
- Strong pace and boxing
Prediction
Gordon’s activity and pace may help him edge the veteran.
Prediction: Jared Gordon via Decision
Roman Kopylov vs Marco Tulio Prediction
Middleweight Bout
Roman Kopylov
- Pro Record: 14-5
- Sharp kickboxing attack
Marco Tulio
- Pro Record: 14-2
- Strong finishing ability
Prediction
Kopylov’s striking technique could be the key advantage.
Prediction: Roman Kopylov via TKO
Pat Sabatini vs William Gomis Prediction
Featherweight Bout
Pat Sabatini
- Pro Record: 21-5
- Elite submission skills
William Gomis
- Pro Record: 15-3
- Technical striker with strong defense
Prediction
Sabatini’s wrestling may neutralize Gomis’ striking.
Prediction: Pat Sabatini via Submission
Baisangur Susurkaev vs Djorden Santos Prediction
Middleweight Bout
Baisangur Susurkaev
- Pro Record: 11-0
- Heavy pressure and finishing ability
Djorden Santos
- Pro Record: 11-2
- Aggressive striker
Prediction
Susurkaev’s unbeaten momentum makes him difficult to pick against.
Prediction: Baisangur Susurkaev via KO
Clayton Carpenter vs Jose Ochoa Prediction
Flyweight Bout
Clayton Carpenter
- Pro Record: 8-2
- Fast-paced grappling style
Jose Ochoa
- Pro Record: 8-2
- Strong striking attack
Prediction
Carpenter’s wrestling and control may help him secure a close victory.
Prediction: Clayton Carpenter via Decision
Final Thoughts
UFC 328 has the potential to become one of the strongest UFC cards of the year. The rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland has already created massive attention during fight week, while the co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira could produce an instant classic.
The card also features several important contender matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight, and lightweight divisions. Fans should expect high-level action from start to finish at UFC 328 in Newark.