Khamzat vs Strickland: Tensions Explode Ahead of UFC 328 Title Fight
The rivalry between middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland reached a boiling point on Thursday after Chimaev kicked Strickland during a heated face-off ahead of UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
The incident happened during a promotional staredown despite increased security measures throughout fight week. UFC CEO Dana White stood between both fighters and warned them to stay under control, but emotions quickly flared when Chimaev suddenly kicked Strickland in the shin.
The hostility between the two fighters dates back to 2022 when they briefly trained together in Las Vegas. Since then, Strickland has repeatedly accused Chimaev of being a “bully” in the gym, allegations the undefeated champion has strongly denied.
Over time, the feud has intensified publicly, with both men exchanging insults in interviews and on social media. Strickland, who holds a 30-7 professional record, previously claimed he would defend himself with a gun if Chimaev and his team ever attempted to attack him outside the Octagon. Chimaev, unbeaten at 15-0, has dismissed many of the accusations but has continued to fuel the rivalry with his aggressive behavior.
Because of the ongoing tension, the UFC reportedly added extra security for fight week, including metal detectors and a constant police presence at the fighter hotel in Morristown, New Jersey. Strickland has also been staying away from the main hotel to avoid any direct confrontation with Chimaev and his team.
Following Thursday’s altercation, Strickland reacted on social media, writing: “Exactly what I expected a coward to do.”
Fortunately, Strickland did not appear to suffer any injury from the kick, and there has been no official statement regarding possible punishment for Chimaev by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board.
Both fighters are still expected to headline UFC 328 on Saturday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, where one of the UFC’s most heated rivalries will finally be settled inside the cage.
