Conor McGregor has indicated a strong desire to compete for the UFC middleweight title. The upcoming UFC 328 event in Newark this weekend features Khamzat Chimaev defending his middleweight championship against Sean Strickland in the main event. The card is scheduled to broadcast live from the Prudential Center on May 9. McGregor recently sparked considerable discussion on social media platform X by posting about the event, referring to the 185-pound belt as “my 185lb UFC title.”
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 328
Chimaev earned the middleweight strap last August via unanimous decision against Dricus du Plessis. This victory was part of an impressive streak that included wins over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, in addition to du Plessis. With an undefeated record of 15-0, the Sweden-based fighter from Chechnya is preparing for his first title defense.
Strickland, hailing from Corona, California, enters the fight with a professional record of 30 wins and 7 losses. He famously defeated Israel Adesanya by unanimous decision to capture the title in 2023. Following losses to du Plessis in his initial defense and a rematch in 2025, Strickland made a successful comeback with a knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez in February.
The tension between the two fighters was palpable following the matchup announcement in March, prompting UFC President Dana White to increase security measures. Strickland stated he would be armed if Chimaev’s entourage attempted any confrontation outside the cage. Chimaev, however, downplayed the remarks during a media scrum, dismissing Strickland as an attention-seeker who talks a lot but acts little.
Conor McGregor Claims UFC Middleweight Belt
Recently, Chimaev also extended a public challenge to McGregor for a boxing match under the Zuffa Boxing banner, acknowledging McGregor’s striking prowess and the potential for a lucrative bout.
McGregor’s post on X read: “Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey @ufc card, with my 185lb @ufc title on the line! TUNE IN ON @UFConParamount.” This statement has been widely interpreted by fans as a direct response to Chimaev’s challenge or a clear indication of his intentions to move up to the middleweight division.
McGregor has previously held titles in the featherweight and lightweight divisions and secured a welterweight win against Donald Cerrone. He has never competed in the middleweight division at 185 pounds.
Tickets for the event went on sale on March 20. The fight is the headliner for a card that is still being finalized with preliminary bouts and co-main events. The broadcast will be featured on Paramount, aligning with McGregor’s mention. Strickland is aiming to become a two-time champion, while Chimaev seeks to maintain his undefeated record.
English Translation
Conor McGregor has signaled his ambition for the UFC middleweight championship. The upcoming UFC 328 event in Newark this weekend will see Khamzat Chimaev defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event. The card is set to air live from the Prudential Center on May 9. McGregor recently stirred up considerable discussion on X by posting about the event, referring to the 185-pound belt as “my 185lb UFC title.”
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 328
Chimaev claimed the middleweight strap last August with a unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis. This win capped off a run where he defeated former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, as well as du Plessis. Undefeated at 15-0, the Chechen fighter from Sweden is now facing his first title defense.
Strickland, from Corona, California, enters the fight with a record of 30 wins and 7 losses. He famously upset Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision to win the title back in 2023. After subsequent losses to du Plessis in his first defense and the rematch in 2025, he bounced back with a knockout win against Anthony Hernandez in February.
The animosity between the fighters escalated after the matchup was announced in March, leading UFC President Dana White to increase security. Strickland stated he would carry a firearm if Chimaev’s crew attempted any aggression outside the cage. Chimaev, in a media scrum, dismissed the threats, labeling Strickland a “clown” who talks big but lacks action.
Conor McGregor Claims UFC Middleweight Belt
Chimaev also recently called out McGregor for a boxing match under the Zuffa Boxing banner, praising McGregor’s striking skills and suggesting it could be a big money fight.
McGregor wrote on X: “Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey @ufc card, with my 185lb @ufc title on the line! TUNE IN ON @UFConParamount.” Fans interpreted this as a response to Chimaev’s callout or a hint at his middleweight aspirations.
McGregor has previously held titles in the featherweight and lightweight divisions, along with a welterweight win over Donald Cerrone. He has never competed at 185 pounds.
Tickets for the event went on sale on March 20. The fight is the main event of a card that is still being filled out with preliminary and co-main bouts. The broadcast will be on Paramount, as McGregor indicated. Strickland is aiming to become a two-time champion, while Chimaev intends to remain undefeated.