MMA
UFC 328: Chimaev vs Strickland Tips and Predictions
Fighters will pile into the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey this Saturday night for UFC 328, and William Hill News have broken down the main card and our predictions for how the night may unfold.
A stacked card headlined by a middleweight title rematch that has fans buzzing, Newark promises fireworks from the first bell to the last. Here is how we see the night unfolding.
UFC 328 Predictions – Sunday, 10th May
Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland – Chimaev To Win
Tatsuro Taira vs Josha Van – Taira To Win
Alexander Volkov vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta – Volkov To Win
Sean Brady vs Joaquin Buckley – Brady To Win
Khamzat Chimaev (c) vs Sean Strickland
Khamzat Chimaev – 2/13
Sean Strickland – 15/4
Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev To Win by KO – 11/4
The main event has all the makings of a classic. Chimaev has been a wrecking ball since arriving in the UFC, relentless, physical, and seemingly unbothered by pressure. Chimaev goes into this one as a very short-priced favourite. His wrestling-led smothering style has neutralised nearly every opponent he has faced, and he will look to impose exactly that here.
Strickland, however, is no ordinary opponent. The former champion is one of the best pure strikers in the division, with the ring IQ and chin to stay in fights that others would not. His unorthodox, high-volume approach could give Chimaev problems, and if this goes to the championship rounds, anything can happen.
We will let the odds tell the story. Chimaev’s pressure, pace, and power make him the sensible pick.
Joshua Van (c) vs Tatsuro Taira
Joshua Van – 11/8
Tatsuro Taira – 8/15
Prediction: Taira To Win by Submission – 9/5
Japan’s Tatsuro Taira goes in as a slight favourite against champion Joshua Van, and it is not difficult to see why. The 24-year-old has been flawless in the UFC, combining elite grappling with excellent finishing instincts, and has the tools to drag Van into deep water on the mat.
Van is a lively champion who brings creativity and athleticism to every outing. He is more than capable of keeping this on the feet and making it a competitive contest. Still, Taira’s unbeaten UFC record and upward trajectory are difficult to ignore.
Alexander Volkov vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Alexander Volkov – 8/13
Waldo Cortes-Acosta – 6/5
Prediction: Volkov To Win by Decision – 5/4
Ranked second in the heavyweight division, Volkov remains one of the most technically complete men in the sport. His reach, footwork, and clean striking make him dangerous at range, and Cortes-Acosta will need to close the distance quickly and repeatedly to cause an upset.
Volkov’s experience and ranking advantage make him the play here.
Sean Brady vs Joaquin Buckley
Sean Brady – 8/15
Joaquin Buckley – 11/8
Prediction: Brady To Win by Decision – 13/8
Brady is methodical, pressure-heavy, and excellent on the mat. Buckley has the power to end things at any moment, but Brady’s grinding style should be well-suited to shutting down Buckley’s offence. Back the grinder.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
