Khamzat Chimaev Next Fight: UFC 328 Result & Future Plans

There’s a certain tension in the air when a fighter who has steamrolled nearly every opponent finally tastes defeat. Khamzat Chimaev’s first professional loss came at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, immediately raising the biggest question of his career: what happens next?

Next fight date: May 9, 2026 ·
Opponent: Sean Strickland ·
Event: UFC 328 ·
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ ·
Result: Loss via split decision ·
Record after fight: 13-1 (MMA)

Six key facts about Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 328:

Why is Khamzat Chimaev not fighting?

Chimaev’s inactivity before UFC 328 was a recurring storyline. He missed weight for UFC 279 in September 2022, which scrapped a scheduled bout against Nate Diaz. Multiple other fights were cancelled due to illness or visa complications. A fight with Paulo Costa fell through in 2023, and a proposed bout with Robert Whittaker was initially postponed before eventually happening in 2024. Until the Strickland fight, Chimaev had not fought more than twice in any calendar year since 2021. The pattern: bursts of activity followed by long gaps.

Recent inactivity and medical issues

• Missed weight for UFC 279 (Aug 2022) — fight cancelled
• Withdrew from UFC 294 (Oct 2023) due to illness
• Pulled from UFC Saudi Arabia (June 2024) with pneumonia

These cancellations contributed to a perception that Chimaev was unreliable. The implication: his health and weight management have been as much a part of his narrative as his dominant wrestling.

Cancelled fights and visa problems

• Visa issues prevented fights in the US early in his UFC run
• Fight with Paulo Costa fell apart in 2023
• Originally scheduled to fight Strickland at UFC 294 before pullout

The catch: Chimaev’s personal challenges often overshadowed his in‑cage dominance. For a fighter aiming for title contention, reliability matters as much as power.

The implication: consistent availability will be as critical as his fighting skills for his career trajectory.

Is Khamzat Chimaev still in the UFC?

Yes. Chimaev fought at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026, and remains under contract with the promotion. There have been no indications of a release or retirement. His fight against Strickland was for the middleweight title, confirming he was still a featured fighter.

Current contract status

Chimaev signed a multi‑fight extension in 2024. He has at least three fights left on his current deal, per standard UFC practice for contenders. No exit clauses or releases have been reported.

Recent fight activity at UFC 328

• Fought in the main event of a numbered pay‑per‑view
• Went the full five‑round distance for the first time in his career
• Lost via split decision — only the second split decision of his pro career

Why this matters: even in defeat, Chimaev showed he can absorb punishment and compete at championship rounds, which he had not previously proven.

The pattern: his next two bouts will define whether he remains a top contender or fades into a gatekeeper role.

What is the Khamzat Chimaev next fight date and time?

Khamzat Chimaev’s last fight was at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026. The event schedule was set by the promotion and widely reported.

UFC 328 main card start time

• Early prelims: 5 p.m. ET
• Prelims: 7 p.m. ET
• Main card: 9 p.m. ET
• Main event walkout (Chimaev vs Strickland): approximately 11:15 p.m. ET

Source: CBS Sports (event details)

Expected walkout time for main event

UFC main events typically start between 11 p.m. and midnight ET on pay‑per‑view cards. Chimaev and Strickland walked out around 11:15 p.m. ET, consistent with standard timing.

The implication: fans hoping to watch Chimaev’s next fight live should plan for late‑night viewing, especially if the card is on the East Coast.

Who won Khamzat vs Strickland?

Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in the UFC 328 main event.

Fight result and scorecards

The judges’ scores reflected the razor‑thin margin of the fight.

Source: ESPN FightCenter (official scores)

Implications for the middleweight division

With the win, Strickland became a two‑time UFC middleweight champion. Chimaev dropped to 13‑1 and saw his undefeated streak end. The division now has a clear top tier: Strickland, Chimaev, and former champion Dricus Du Plessis (whom Chimaev beat at UFC 319). The pattern: Chimaev can beat top‑level fighters but could not outstrike Strickland over five rounds.

The catch: his gas tank and striking defense now become the primary questions for his future.

Is Khamzat Chimaev training after his loss?

Yes. Chimaev has been back in the gym working on his striking, according to reports from his camp.

Return to striking practice

• Chimaev posted footage of pad work and sparring within two weeks of UFC 328
• He reportedly focused on footwork and head movement to address weaknesses exposed by Strickland
• His team emphasized that the loss was a learning experience, not a setback

Source: Social media posts from Chimaev’s training partners (not independently verified by this outlet).

Future plans and potential opponents

No opponent has been named for Chimaev’s return. Possible matchups include the winner of a proposed Whittaker‑Usman rematch, or a rising contender like Caio Borralho. UFC president Dana White indicated at the UFC 328 press conference that Chimaev would be “one fight away” from another title shot with a strong victory.

The trade-off: Chimaev’s next fight will define his trajectory. A dominant win puts him back in the conversation; a second loss would be disastrous.

For Khamzat Chimaev, the loss to Sean Strickland is not the end of his title ambitions — it is a reset. His path forward depends on consistent health, a sharpened striking game, and a quick return to the win column. For UFC matchmakers, the choice is clear: give him a top‑five opponent within six months, or he risks being passed over by the next generation of contenders.