The UFC 328 press conference in Newark, New Jersey, got off to a fiery start as middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland immediately engaged in a bitter verbal confrontation. The two fighters wasted no time trading insults, creating a tense atmosphere right from the outset of the promotional event.
According to reports, Strickland initiated the exchange by directing several derogatory remarks toward the champion. Chimaev did not hold back, responding in kind with his own sharp retorts. The back-and-forth quickly escalated, with both athletes using profane language as they squared off verbally.
The situation became so heated that security personnel were forced to step in to prevent the confrontation from turning physical. Event organizers made the decision to reposition the fighters, seating them at opposite ends of the room in an effort to maintain order and allow the press conference to proceed.
Despite the physical separation, the animosity between the two competitors remained palpable. Reports indicate that the verbal sparring continued even after they were moved apart, underscoring the genuine animosity that exists between these two middleweight rivals.
This intense rivalry has not gone unnoticed by UFC leadership. UFC President Dana White has previously ranked the Chimaev-Strickland feud as the second most intense rivalry in the organization's history. The only rivalry White considers more heated is the legendary feud between former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former two-division champion Conor McGregor.
The press conference incident sets the stage for what promises to be an emotionally charged matchup at UFC 328. With both fighters clearly harboring deep personal animosity toward each other, fans can expect an intense buildup to their championship clash in Newark.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.