The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, is the place, and Saturday, May 9th, is the date when fisticuffs will reign supreme at UFC 328, including a highly anticipated championship clash of middleweights, featuring defending champion Khamzat Chimaev putting his title on the line against former middleweight king, bad boy Sean Strickland.
Three matches of the dozen on the card are of interest, including the main event, so let’s buckle up, review the UFC odds at the best offshore sportsbooks, and win some cash!
Clayton Carpenter Has Value as a Live UFC Underdog
Jose Ochoa vs. Clayton Carpenter, May 9th, 2026, 5:15 PM ET
We might as well start the evening’s beatings with an early fight featuring a flyweight matchup between Jose Ochoa (8-2, 7 KOs, 1 Sub) and Clayton Carpenter (8-2, 2 KOs, 4 Subs). Surprisingly, the Ochoa vs. Carpenter UFC odds at BetOnline reveal that the latter is the underdog in a matchup of two 8-2 fighters.
Why am I surprised? Well, Carpenter was a rising star in the UFC, reeling off eight consecutive victories before running into stiffer and more seasoned competition in Tagir Ulanbekov, where he lost by a unanimous decision before tapping out in the opening round to Jafel Filho last October.
But that doesn’t mean Carpenter is washed, and he understands that in the UFC, it’s three strikes and you’re out. The 29-year-old has had time to pause, reflect, and train his tail off for this one, and his ground game will neutralize Ochoa’s punching power.
I expect Carpenter to win by either a submission or a decision. But I’ll go the safer route and bet on the latter at BetOnline.
Expert UFC Pick: Clayton Carpenter +150 at BetOnline
Sean Brady’s Grappling Could Neutralize Buckley’s Power
Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady, May 9th, 2026, 9:50 PM ET
The Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady UFC odds are up, and the latter is getting some love from the betting public as a -161 favorite. Although I am never comfortable betting on the public’s choice, I can’t help but believe the Gracie-trained BJJ black belt won’t atone for his stunning opening round loss to the undefeated Ecuadorian assassin, Michael Morales.
That was a tall order for any welterweight, as Morales is on the precipice of getting a title shot and Brady is still firmly ensconced in the top 10 of the division. When looking at our expert predictions for this bout, it’s clear that although Buckley has enormous power, Brady is adept at dealing with strikers – well, at least most of the time – and his opponent does not have the defensive chops to stop Brady’s brutal ground game.
Yes, the odds might seem a bit steep for someone who just got starched by a fighter with similar skills as Buckley, but we all live and learn. Brady doesn’t strike me as someone who will exit the UFC quietly, as he has the skill to compete with the division’s best.
Expert UFC Pick: Sean Brady -161 at BetOnline
Khamzat Chimaev by Submission Is the Best UFC 328 Main Event Bet
Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev, May 9th, 2026, 11:35 PM ET
Anyone who steps inside the cage, regardless of skill level, has my immediate respect. And those elite athletes who earn a ticket to MMA’s big league, the UFC, have my admiration. I am all-in on the alpha males, apex predators who roam the Octagon like a hunter stalking its prey. If you’re reading this, I assume you share that passion.
But that said, Sean Strickland leaves me colder than a brass toilet seat in the heart of the Yukon. Yes, he’s a world-class fighter, and sure, he deserves this title shot as the former champ. But his over-the-top persona is in direct conflict with the humility we often see in martial arts masters.
Okay, so there’s that, but what about this fight? Sean Strickland strikes me as more of a gatekeeper at the middleweight division, but he maximizes his potential and gets the absolute most out of his ability. At 35, his better days are behind him, and now he’s facing a killer in the reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev.
When comparing the latest UFC betting lines, the Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev odds are precisely where they should be, with the Russian sensation a prohibitive -600 favorite. Yes, Strickland has a puncher’s chance because no one can seem to outwork him. He has an outstanding training ethic, which is why he can gas more talented opponents.
However, the undefeated Khamzat is a different breed of cat, and his relentless ground game won’t allow Strickland to fire his arsenal. In fact, I believe we will see Strickland take a very public nap for the first time in his career, courtesy of the Mad Russian.
Therefore, I am going to eschew the moneyline and bet Khamzat to win by submission and get more bang for my betting buck.
Expert UFC Pick: Khamzat Chimaev by submission -115 at BetOnline
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Responsible Gaming
It’s important to approach betting responsibly. Follow these tips to help manage your play:
- Manage your bankroll: Only wager what you can afford to lose.
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*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
