Khamzat Chimaev puts his UFC middleweight title on the line against Sean Strickland at UFC 328. The event takes place at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey tomorrow night, and streams live on Paramount+.
Chimaev and Strickland have been at odds with each other, and that tension was on display at the pre-fight press conference. There was a strong security presence, and both fighters had to be separated. The promotion is not taking any chances and has kept them apart as much as possible.
‘Borz’ enters the main event aiming to make his first successful middleweight title defense. He won the title after earning a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis.
Strickland, meanwhile, enters following an impressive 3rd round TKO victory over Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez. After the fight, the former middleweight champion issued a challenge to Chimaev, which was granted. He aims to capitalize on this opportunity to become a two-time middleweight champion after falling short against du Plessis.
Despite the UFC‘s best efforts, Chimaev managed to deliver a stomp to Strickland during their face-off. While their rivalry is personal and heated, ‘Borz’ enters as the betting favorite to retain his title.
UFC 328: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland Betting Odds
Khamzat Chimaev stands as a sizable favorite over Sean Strickland on the latest UFC 328 betting lines.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Chimaev enters at -590 to retain his middleweight title. A $20 wager on ‘Borz’ to win would return a total payout of $23.39.
Strickland, the former middleweight champion, sits at +410. A $20 wager on him to pull off an upset would yield a total payout of $102. That number may be enticing for bettors who believe ‘Tarzan’ will negate ‘Borz’s takedown threat.
Both fighters have trained together in the past. They have shared differing accounts and disagreed about what actually transpired.
Oddsmakers are expecting a short bout. Chimaev is favored to win by submission at +100. Even if he does not finish Strickland, oddsmakers believe he could earn a decision, which is listed at +330.
For Strickland, his best path to victory is by KO/TKO, listed at +800. Given the favored outcome, oddsmakers are not expecting the UFC 328 main event to go the distance.
The fight not going the distance is listed at -290. In contrast, the fight going the distance is set at +215.
The total rounds prop sits at 2.5 rounds. Over 2.5 rounds stands at -108, while the under is listed at -118.
UFC 328: Main Card Betting Odds
Beyond the middleweight title fight between Chimaev and Strickland, UFC 328 features many appealing fights for bettors.
In lightweight action, King Green faces Jeremy Stephens in the main card opener. Green enters as a sizable -385 favorite, while Stephens stands at +290. While oddsmakers view this as a slight mismatch, Stephens is certainly capable of a knockout win.
In welterweight action, Sean Brady faces Joaquin Buckley. Brady enters as a -178 favorite, while ‘New Mansa’ sits at +144.
Heavyweights clash as No. 2 ranked Alexander Volkov takes on No. 4 ranked Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Volkov enters as a -170 favorite, while Cortes-Acosta stands at +138.
The co-main event features a flyweight title clash between Tatsuro Taira and champion Joshua Van. Surprisingly, Van enters as a +140 underdog in his first title defense, while Taira sits at -172 to capture the title.
UFC 328: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland Betting Odds