Get ready for a night of intense middleweight matchups as UFC 328 officially lands on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey—a familiar stomping ground for the Las Vegas-based promotion. But here's where it gets controversial: with two highly anticipated bouts already announced, fans are divided over who’s poised to dominate the Octagon. Let’s break it down.
First up, Roman Kopylov faces off against Marco Tulio in a clash that’s sparking debates. Kopylov, the 33-year-old Russian, is looking to rebound after back-to-back decision losses to Gregory Rodrigues and Paulo Costa in 2025. Before that slump, he boasted an impressive 6-1 record in the UFC from September 2022 to January 2025. Tulio, on the other hand, is a two-time Dana White’s Contender Series winner who knocked out his first two UFC opponents before suffering a knockout loss to Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Fight Night 264. Will Kopylov’s experience edge out Tulio’s explosive power? Or will Tulio’s momentum prove too much for the veteran?
Next, rising star Ateba Abega Gautier takes on Osman Diaz in a bout originally slated for UFC 320. Gautier, a 23-year-old Cameroonian phenom, is on a nine-fight winning streak, including four UFC victories. After finishing his first three opponents within a round, he showcased his endurance with a unanimous decision win over Andrey Pulyaev at UFC 324. Diaz, meanwhile, has split his two UFC appearances, most recently outpointing Djorden Santos at UFC 313. Is Gautier the future of the middleweight division, or can Diaz derail his momentum?
And this is the part most people miss: Gautier’s rapid rise and Diaz’s unpredictability make this fight a must-watch. With Gautier’s undefeated UFC record on the line, this bout could be a turning point for both fighters. Meanwhile, Kopylov vs. Tulio promises to be a gritty, high-stakes battle that could redefine their careers.
UFC 328 is shaping up to be a pivotal event for the middleweight division, with ESPN Brasil and Marcel Dorff breaking the news of these matchups. But here’s the question for you: Which fighter do you think will steal the show? And which bout are you most excited to see? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments—this is one event you won’t want to miss!
