We're deep into UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland fight week and analysts, fighters, and fans are making their predictions for the main event middleweight title bout.

Undefeated champion Khamzat Chimaev puts his title on the line for the first time against former titleholder Sean Strickland and heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall revealed who he thinks will win.

"I think this is going to be a good fight, first of all. I think Khmazat, to me, looks pretty unstoppable at the moment with his takedowns and stuff. His striking, obviously he's very dangerous with his striking as well," Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. "I think Sean Strickland probably has a little bit of an edge in the striking department, but Khamzat's grappling. I don't know if Sean Strickland will be able to get up off the bottom enough times .

"That being said, I know Sean's coach. I've actually trained with Sean a little bit as well, only a tiny bit, though. But I know a lot of people who are close to him and everyone keeps saying how good he is at getting up off the bottom. So, I think it's going to be real interesting," Aspinall continued.

"The big question for me is like, how many times can he get up off the bottom without getting caught in a submission without getting tired. Khamzat will just rinse and repeat for the full five rounds ... If Strickland can come through that, not be exhausted, which he's never shown any signs of that before in my opinion and put him on the end of that awkward style that he's got with striking and really unorthodox stand up, I think there's definitely a chance for Strickland. But in my option I'm leaning a little bit toward Khamzat."

When asked to pick a winner, the heavyweight champion went with Chimaev to retain the belt.

"The verdict is for me Khamzat by decision. I think," Aspinall said. "I think it will be a little more competitive than the DDP [Dricus Du Plessis] fight, but I think Khamzat by decision."

If the UFC White House card, otherwise known as Freedom 250, wasn't already prestigious enough, the reveal of a new UFC title exclusive to the event has taken it to an entirely new level.

The showcase set to take place on June 14, which will be the promotion's first and potentially final visit to the White House, flattered to deceive once the fight card was announced. Fans expected a lineup unlike ever before, and were disheartened upon its unveiling. Despite several current and former UFC champions and a further selection of title challengers scheduled to compete at the show next month, many supporters are still sitting on the fence, with mixed feelings.

However, some of those still undecided on the quality of Freedom 250 may now be swayed following a recent update.

Accompanying some of the biggest names in the sport today at the White House is an exclusive incentive for fighters. Sitting beside the event's biggest draws, Donald Trump announced a glistening new championship title. The new gold features a United States-inspired flag across its middle plate, with a set of Roman numerals sprawled below, honoring the USA's independence in 1776. Those involved did a great job capturing the true essence of America, even with its minimalistic design, as they prepare to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.

When the White House card rolls around, Ilia Topuria will be looking to continue his reign of terror, but must first overcome the always-entertaining hometown favorite, Justin Gaethje. Alex Pereira is hoping to make history by becoming a three-division UFC champion, while Ciryl Gane is desperate to put an end to the bad luck he has had in undisputed title fights.

Those eligible to win the unique USA-spirited title are the four men competing in the main and co-main events on the night. Check out what the new championship looks like below.

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The UFC 328 middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland has become one of the biggest grudge matches in the promotion's history.

The two used to train together but a dispute in the gym has festered into a full-blown rivalry. Their fight week interaction has been limited by the organization. They're staying in two different hotels and extra security has been added.

Strickland has accused "Borz" of seeking out lesser training partners in the gym and mercilessly dominating them to feed his ego. On Tuesday, Chimaev released footage of a sparring session with Strickland. He captioned the video, "I am bullying weak people."

I am bullying weak people 😂 pic.twitter.com/dVVM3wTxpg

— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) May 5, 2026

The video was only 26 seconds long. The two have very different recollections of how their training sessions went. They'll settle their differences inside the octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday. It will be Chimaev's first title defense.

On the first episode of UFC 328 Embedded, Sean Strickland bulldozes his yard ahead of some construction; champion Khamzat Chimaev celebrates his birthday with his team at the gym; Tatsuro Taira trains in Colorado with fellow UFC fighters Cory Sandhagen and interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje; Joel Alvarez hits the thrill rides at Coney Island; King Green wraps up his camp in California; Joshua Van prepares for his first title defense with some intense cardio work.

UFC 328 takes place on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event is headlined by a middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland.

UFC 328 Embedded - Episode 1

The UFC 328 co-main event features a historic bout for the flyweight title. Champion Joshua Van (16-2) takes on Tatsuro Taira (18-1) in a championship bout between two Asian-born fighters.

The fight will be Van's first title defense. Taira will enter the match ranked No. 3 in the division and riding a two-fight winning streak.

UFC 328 takes place on May 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event is headlined by a middleweight title bout between champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland.

UFC 328 Countdown: Van vs. Taira