Chimaev vs Strickland: UFC 328 Start Time, Undercard and How to Watch Fight

The tension is palpable, the stakes are astronomical, and the stage is set for an explosive night of mixed martial arts. UFC 328 descends upon the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, tonight, delivering a rare and glorious double-header of title fights that promises to reshape the landscape of two weight classes. At the apex of this stacked card, the undefeated and seemingly unstoppable Khamzat Chimaev puts his middleweight crown on the line for the very first time, facing the gritty and relentless former champion Sean Strickland. But the fireworks don’t stop there. In the co-main event, newly-minted flyweight king Joshua Van makes his maiden title defense against the surging Japanese contender Tatsuro Taira. This is not just a fight card; it is a crucible where legacies are forged. Here is your complete guide to UFC 328, including the start time, full undercard, and how to watch every punch, kick, and submission.

Main Event Breakdown: The Chimaev-Strickland Powder Keg

The build-up to this middleweight title clash has been nothing short of volcanic. What began as a war of words between the stoic Khamzat Chimaev and the unfiltered Sean Strickland erupted into physical violence at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference. The incident, which saw security scramble to separate the two fighters after a shoving match turned into a chaotic scuffle, perfectly encapsulates the animosity between them. For Chimaev, this is his first defense of the title he seized in spectacular fashion last August. The “Borz” dismantled the previously dominant Dricus Du Plessis, overwhelming him with his signature suffocating wrestling and ground-and-pound to claim the belt. That performance sent a shockwave through the division, as Du Plessis had twice outpointed Strickland in close, grueling decisions.

Now, the math is simple for the oddsmakers. Chimaev enters as a comfortable favorite, and for good reason. His blend of Olympic-level wrestling, freakish strength, and rapidly improving striking makes him a nightmare matchup for almost anyone. Strickland, however, is not “almost anyone.” He is a volume-punching machine with an iron chin and a defensive style that has frustrated elite strikers for years. The key question is whether Strickland’s teep kicks and jab-heavy approach can keep Chimaev at bay long enough to drag the fight into deep waters. Chimaev has shown cardio questions in the past, notably in his war with Gilbert Burns. If Strickland can survive the early blitz and force a pace, we may see a different fight. But my expert analysis leans toward the champion. Chimaev’s physicality and pressure are simply on another level. He will find a way to close the distance, chain-wrestle, and break Strickland’s will.

Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev by third-round submission.

Co-Main Event: Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira – A Flyweight Crossroads

While the main event grabs the headlines, the co-main event is a fascinating stylistic matchup that could steal the show. Joshua Van makes his first defense of the flyweight belt, but his reign began under bizarre circumstances. Five months ago, Van defeated Alexandre Pantoja after the champion suffered a freak injury early in the first round. The victory was official but left a cloud of “what if” hanging over Van’s coronation. Tonight, he has the chance to silence the doubters by defeating a legitimate, surging contender in Tatsuro Taira.

Taira, the undefeated Japanese prodigy, has been on a tear, finishing opponents with a slick, opportunistic ground game and crisp kickboxing. He is a problem for anyone at 125 pounds. However, Van is a different beast. He is lightning-fast, incredibly durable, and possesses fight-ending power in his hands. The clash of styles is classic: a dangerous striker versus a submission specialist. Van will look to keep the fight standing and land his powerful left hook, while Taira will desperately try to drag him to the mat. The key factor here is Van’s takedown defense. If he can stuff Taira’s shots and make him pay on the feet, he retains his belt. If Taira gets him down, it could be a long night for the champion.

Prediction: Joshua Van by unanimous decision, surviving a late submission scare.

UFC 328 Start Time: How to Watch the Full Card

Planning your viewing schedule is crucial for this massive event. The action kicks off early for UK fans and runs late into the night for US viewers. Here is the complete breakdown of the broadcast schedule for UFC 328.

Early Prelims

The night begins with the early prelims, featuring rising prospects and local talent looking to make a name for themselves. These fights are exclusively available on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+.

• UK/Ireland: 10:00 PM BST (Saturday)
• US (East Coast): 5:00 PM ET (Saturday)
• US (Central): 4:00 PM CT (Saturday)
• US (West Coast): 2:00 PM PT (Saturday)

Regular Prelims

The regular prelims will feature established names and potential future contenders. This portion of the card will air on ESPN and ESPN+ in the US, and on UFC Fight Pass internationally.

• UK/Ireland: 12:00 AM BST (Sunday)
• US (East Coast): 7:00 PM ET (Saturday)
• US (Central): 6:00 PM CT (Saturday)
• US (West Coast): 4:00 PM PT (Saturday)

Main Card

The main card, featuring the two title fights and a host of compelling matchups, will be broadcast live on Pay-Per-View via ESPN+ in the US. In the UK and Ireland, it will stream on UFC Fight Pass and TNT Sports.

• UK/Ireland: 2:00 AM BST (Sunday)
• US (East Coast): 9:00 PM ET (Saturday)
• US (Central): 8:00 PM CT (Saturday)
• US (West Coast): 6:00 PM PT (Saturday)

Full UFC 328 Fight Card (Main Card Bouts)

Here is a look at the fights expected to feature on the main card, subject to change:

• Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev (c) vs. Sean Strickland – Middleweight Title
• Co-Main Event: Joshua Van (c) vs. Tatsuro Taira – Flyweight Title
• Lightweight Bout: Dan Hooker vs. Renato Moicano
• Welterweight Bout: Geoff Neal vs. Ian Machado Garry
• Women’s Strawweight Bout: Marina Rodriguez vs. Amanda Ribas

Expert Analysis and Key Storylines

Beyond the title fights, this card is loaded with intriguing narratives. The Dan Hooker vs. Renato Moicano lightweight scrap is a guaranteed banger. Both men are fan favorites known for their durability and finishing ability. Hooker is looking to climb back into title contention after a tough loss, while Moicano is on a hot streak. This is a classic “Fight of the Night” candidate.

In the welterweight division, Geoff Neal vs. Ian Machado Garry presents a compelling test for the undefeated Garry. “The Future” has been vocal about his championship aspirations, but Neal is a powerful, experienced knockout artist who will not be intimidated. This is a huge step up in competition for Garry, and a win here would vault him into the top five.

Finally, the women’s strawweight bout between Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas is a critical fight for the division’s hierarchy. Both are former title challengers looking to re-establish themselves. Ribas will likely use her grappling, while Rodriguez will look to land her heavy hands. The winner will be one step closer to another shot at the champion.

Conclusion: A Night of Reckoning in Newark

UFC 328 is not just another numbered event; it is a night of reckoning. Can Khamzat Chimaev prove that his reign will be a dominant one, or will Sean Strickland reclaim his throne with his unorthodox, pressure-fighting style? Can Joshua Van legitimize his title win, or will Tatsuro Taira announce himself as the new king of the flyweights? The answers will be delivered inside the Octagon at the Prudential Center. For fans, the only requirement is to secure your viewing platform, set your alarms, and prepare for a marathon of high-stakes, elite-level mixed martial arts. This is a card you will not want to miss. The violence is guaranteed, the history is waiting to be written, and the fighters are ready to bleed for glory. See you at the fights.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.