Khamzat Chimaev will defend his middleweight title for the first time against Sean Strickland in an epic grudge match this weekend at UFC 328. The two rivals had to be separated by police following a heated face-off on Thursday night.
Face-Off Turns Violent
After trading verbal jabs, Chimaev and Strickland went nose-to-nose as UFC president Dana White urged them to keep it respectful. The champion then kicked the controversial American star after Strickland said, "You're not gonna do s***." Security and police quickly intervened, ushering Chimaev away while Strickland was physically restrained. More security entered as White watched on, eventually dragging the pair to opposite ends of the stage, though they continued exchanging insults.
Background to the Rivalry
Chimaev won the 185lb title with a dominant decision over Dricus du Plessis in August. Strickland, a former champion, earned his second title shot by knocking out Anthony Hernandez in February. Both have trained together, each claiming to have gotten the better of the other in sparring. The build-up to UFC 328 has been marred by controversy, with White revealing increased security and separate hotels for the fighters.
Before the press conference, tensions were already high. Strickland said, "All f****** talk. All this man does is f****** talk. You have had your chance and you never stepped up." Chimaev replied, "Shut up, b****. I am going to be your daddy in the cage."
When asked if the fight was personal, Chimaev stated, "I do not care. It's just one more chicken. I am going to take his head off. He will be dead in two days." He added, "I beat him everyday. Look at this guy, man. I am just happy to be here. Smash that guy. Take my money. Be happy and go home."
Strickland later reacted on social media, writing, "Exactly what I expected a coward to do."
White Ranks Rivalry Among Best
White compared the feud to Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018, saying, "Khamzat vs Strickland, bad blood. When you talk about top five UFC fights of all time where the guys have serious hatred between them, I put this number two behind Conor and Khabib. The only reason I put Conor and Khabib over it is what happened in Brooklyn leading up to that fight. Two of the best guys in the world, don't like each other. It should be a great night at UFC 328."
