The highly anticipated UFC 328 middleweight championship bout is set to take place tonight in Newark, New Jersey, featuring champion Khamzat Chimaev against former titleholder Sean Strickland. Chimaev, boasting an undefeated record of 15-0, is making his inaugural defense of the 185-pound belt. Betting markets currently favor Chimaev significantly, with odds ranging from -550 to -590, while Strickland is listed between +400 and +410. Keen observers of the sport are already looking ahead, contemplating who might challenge ‘Borz’ next after UFC 328.
Potential Next Opponents for Khamzat Chimaev Post-UFC 328
Discussions surrounding Chimaev’s future challengers are a prominent topic in the middleweight division. Should Chimaev successfully defend his title at UFC 328, early betting lines are available for his potential future opponents. BetUS has established Chimaev as the favorite in several hypothetical matchups: -400 against Bo Nickal, -450 versus Leon Edwards, -650 against Nassourdine Imavov, -600 over Caio Borralho, -2500 against Michael Page, -800 versus Israel Adesanya, and -155 when pitted against Islam Makhachev.
These odds underscore the perceived dominance of Chimaev, with projected payouts reflecting this, such as a $40 profit on a $100 bet against Nickal or $125 against Makhachev.
Did Khamzat Chimaev’s Weigh-In Incident Affect the Sean Strickland Odds?
Yesterday’s weigh-ins generated considerable discussion when Chimaev successfully made weight at the final opportunity, having reportedly cut approximately 45-46 pounds. While both he and Strickland officially weighed in at 185 pounds, video footage suggested the scale might have been settling when officials recorded the weight. This led some fighters, including Bryce Mitchell and Dustin Poirier, to question the validity of the weigh-in on social media. However, major sportsbooks did not adjust their betting lines following the weigh-in. The odds remained consistent despite pre-fight confrontations, such as Chimaev kicking at Strickland during their faceoff.
Current prop bets suggest an early finish to the fight. Chimaev winning by submission is priced between +100 and -105, with a decision victory at +330. A KO/TKO victory for Chimaev is listed at +350. Strickland’s most likely path to victory, according to the odds, is a KO/TKO at +800, followed by a decision at +413 to +850. The odds for the fight to go under 2.5 rounds are -118, and not going the distance is at -290.
The initial betting lines, released in March, had Chimaev as a favorite ranging from -400 to -600, with Strickland at +300 to +450. Public betting activity later narrowed the odds for Chimaev to -600 by late April, before settling closer to -550 as fight week commenced. Strickland’s recent TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez attracted some informed betting interest, helping to keep his odds stable around +400.
The UFC 328 middleweight title fight serves as the climax to fight week, with clear future possibilities for both combatants. A victory for Chimaev would solidify his dominant status and pave the way for matchups against emerging contenders or major drawing power opponents. Chimaev is favored in early lines across various sportsbooks should he emerge victorious. BetUS projects him as a -400 favorite against Bo Nickal, -450 against Leon Edwards, -650 versus Nassourdine Imavov, -600 over Caio Borralho, and -800 against Israel Adesanya.
UFC 328 concludes a tense fight week at Newark’s Prudential Center. Chimaev is set to defend his middleweight championship against Strickland in the main event. Prop bets lean towards an early stoppage, and the betting lines have remained firm despite weigh-in-related speculation. Significant interest from sharp bettors is already focused on the champion’s potential future matchups across the sportsbooks.
