UFC 328 is only one day away! The upcoming numbered event is headlined by a Middleweight Championship between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland. The 125-pound title is also on line as new champion Joshua Van makes his first defense against Tatsuro Taira in the co-main event.

Check out my best bets for this Saturday’s UFC 328 numbered event.

Khamzat Chimaev to Win in Rounds 1-2 (+130)

Chimaev enters this fight with a 15-0 record with 12 finishes and begins his Middleweight title reign against bitter rival, Strickland. At UFC 319 in August 2025, Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis en route to winning the Middleweight title. Since losing his last title fight to DDP, Strickland beat Anthony Hernandez by KO/TKO.

On DraftKings Sportsbook, Chimaev is a -575 favorite while Strickland is a +425. The over/under is 3.5 rounds, with the under at -145. Chimaev excels on the ground, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes at a 55 percent rate. Although Strickland might be the better all-around striker, Chimaev should be able to limit the former champion’s success on the feet. That is because Chimaev only absorbs 2.32 significant strikes per minute from opponents.

Chimaev is also -200 to win this fight by KO/TKO/DQ or submission. With that being the case, I’m taking Chimaev to win this bout in rounds 1-2 at +130. In his career, Chimaev has won 12 fights in the first two rounds and has never had back-to-back wins by decision. After having a five-round dominant outing against Du Plessis, I think Chimaev will enter this contest hungrier to finish the fight.

Joshua Van Moneyline (+136)

After winning the Flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323, Joshua Van is defending the title against Tatsuro Taira. Van is currently on a six-fight winning streak, with all of them coming in the last 20 months. Taira is 4-1 in his last five fights, with all four victories coming by knockout or submission.

Taira is taller by two inches (5’7″ vs. 5’5″), with a five-inch advantage in standing reach (70″ vs. 65″). Van lands 8.84 significant strikes per minute on the feet, which is the most in UFC history. He sets a fast pace while breaking opponents down with his one-of-a-kind striking ability.

Also, Van has an excellent 81 percent takedown defense; if he can showcase it in this contest, Taira should struggle to take him down. Getting the reigning champion, Van, at +130 to win this contest is excellent value, given his upside. 

Baisangur Susurkaev to Win by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission (-150)

Baisangur Susurkaev is 11-0 with 10 victories by submission or knockout and appears to have a bright future in the UFC. Susurkaev is 2-0 in the UFC with two finishes and now faces Djorden Santos on the UFC 328 Early Prelims. Santos is coming off a win over Danny Barlow and is 1-1 in the UFC.

In this matchup, Susurkaev is a more accurate striker by 15 percent, while defending strikes at a 53 percent rate on the feet. Although Susurkaev is known for his striking, he proved in his UFC debut that he is skilled on the ground as well. Susurkaev is close friends with Chimaev, who is headlining this event.

Susurkaev is a big favorite once again at -575 while Santos is a +490 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook. Since 10 of his 11 wins have come by finish, I’m taking Susurkaev to win by KO/TKO/DQ or submission at -160. When Susurkaev pressures opponents from the start of the contest, it seems to be only a matter of time until he scores a finish.