Chimaev to defend UFC belt v Strickland & Allen returns

Khamzat Chimaev will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 in Newark on 9 May.

The unbeaten Chimaev, 31, won the belt from Dricus du Plessis last August and faces a former champion in American Strickland.

Dana White, the president and CEO of UFC, announced several fights to take place between now and UFC White House, an event which is set to happen on 14 June.

The bouts include Arnold Allen’s return to action, with the Ipswich fighter to take on Brazilian Melquizael Costa in Las Vegas on 16 May.

Allen, 32, is coming into the contest off the back of his fourth career defeat, losing to Jean Silva in January in Las Vegas.

The featherweight five-round bout will headline at the UFC Apex.

Costa, 29, is on a brilliant run of form with six wins, including stoppages in his last two victories.

American fighter Strickland is one of the most polarising figures in the UFC.

The 35-year-old often uses his platform for outspoken rants, has been accused of homophobia, sexism and racism and has previously spoken out against Islam. Russian-born Chimaev is a Muslim.

After confirming his status as number one contender by beating Anthony Hernandez last month, Strickland had his mic cut at his post-fight news conference just as he was insulting Chimaev.

As he announced the bout, White joked they would need “extra security” for fight week.

“A fight people have been waiting for a long time,” White said.