The fans in attendance at Newark’s Prudential Center on Saturday night were treated to an incredible night of action, featuring plenty of finishes, two title fights, and a Fight of the Year contender in the co-main event.
One champion successfully defended his belt while another was dethroned, results that are sure to create ripple effects throughout the flyweight and middleweight divisions.
Let’s take a look at what could come next for the biggest winners from UFC 328.
Sean Strickland
Not many fans gave Sean Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) much chance of dethroning Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in Saturday’s main event, but Strickland did what he so often does, turning the fight into a war of attrition before emerging from the grueling five-round battle with the middleweight title once again draped over his shoulder.
The emergence of a new champion at the top of the division reopens the door for several prominent contenders. Dricus du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC), who ended Strickland’s first title reign earlier in 2025, immediately re-enters the conversation. However, the South African likely needs another victory (over Caio Borralho perhaps?) before earning a second crack at the belt.
After becoming the division’s No. 1 contender last year, Nassourdine Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) appeared uninterested in fighting Chimaev, with both men previously citing their shared religious beliefs as a reason to avoid the matchup. With “Borz” now out of the championship picture (and potentially eyeing a move up to light heavyweight) Imavov could instead find himself with the opportunity to avenge his 2023 loss to Strickland.
Joshua Van
There’s little debate over who Joshua Van (17-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) should face next following his epic victory over Tatsuro Taira in Saturday’s co-main event.
“The Fearless” captured the flyweight title under controversial circumstances at UFC 322 last December after Alexandre Pantoja suffered a catastrophic elbow injury just 26 seconds into their fight, preventing fans from seeing what many believed could have been a classic matchup.
Pantoja (30-6 MMA, 14-4 UFC) dominated the flyweight division from 2023 to 2025 and appears to be the clear choice to receive the next title shot as he attempts to reclaim the belt he held for so long.
The biggest question now is whether Van can continue producing the spectacular performances that have quickly become his trademark, particularly following his recent victories over Taira and Brandon Royval.
Alexander Volkov
With his victory over Waldo Cortes Acosta on Saturday’s main card, Alexander Volkov (40-11 MMA, 14-5 UFC) finds himself in an intriguing (and somewhat difficult) position in the UFC heavyweight division.
Saturday’s win marked Volkov’s sixth victory in his past seven fights, with his only loss during that stretch coming via a controversial split decision against Ciryl Gane in 2024.
The heavyweight title picture remains crowded amid Tom Aspinall’s continued absence, while Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is scheduled to face Alex Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) for the interim title at the White House on June 14.
The winner of that matchup will likely move on to face Aspinall whenever the undisputed champion returns, but Volkov’s recent run raises an interesting possibility: could the loser be paired with the Russian contender as a consolation matchup?
Sean Brady
He predicted a submission victory when he spoke to us last week, and although he ultimately went the distance, Sean Brady (19-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) will no doubt be thrilled to have returned to the win column following his dominant performance against Joaquin Buckley on Saturday night.
Aside from his loss to Michael Morales last December, Brady has looked impressive throughout his recent run at welterweight and appears deserving of another marquee matchup following UFC 328.
One intriguing possibility could be a showdown with former champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC), a fight that would carry major implications in the crowded 170-pound title picture.
King Green
At 39 years old, King Green (35-17-1 MMA, 16-12-1 UFC) continues to defy expectations.
Green delivered another impressive stoppage victory in Saturday’s main card opener, submitting Jeremy Stephens in the first round to extend his current winning streak to three fights.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Green called for a matchup with fellow veteran Renato Moicano (21-7-1 MMA, 13-7 UFC). However, it may be difficult to imagine UFC matchmakers pairing him with a fighter currently sitting ninth in the lightweight rankings.
A more realistic option could be Chris Duncan (15-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC), who was recently submitted by Moicano and could provide an entertaining stylistic matchup for the resurgent veteran.
