A new video has surfaced showing a shocking moment from the UFC 328 pre-fight activities, where middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev physically struck his upcoming opponent, Sean Strickland. The incident took place during the official staredown following a heated press conference where both athletes traded verbal barbs.
The confrontation escalated when Chimaev, the reigning champion, delivered a kick to the American contender Strickland. This aggressive act occurred despite the event being a formal promotional appearance, highlighting the intense personal rivalry between the two fighters. The video, whose rights belong to the UFC organization, captures the raw tension leading into their championship bout.
The matchup between Chimaev and Strickland is set to headline the UFC 328 card. The event is scheduled to take place during the night from May 9th to May 10th in Newark, New Jersey. This five-round championship fight will be the centerpiece of the tournament, drawing significant attention from the global MMA community.
Khamzat Chimaev enters this contest as the defending champion. He secured the middleweight title in his most recent fight by defeating South African athlete Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision. That victory marked a significant milestone in Chimaev's career, establishing him as the top fighter in the 185-pound division.
His opponent, Sean Strickland, also comes into the title fight on a high note. In his last appearance inside the Octagon, Strickland scored a knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez. This win solidified his position as a top contender and earned him the opportunity to challenge for the championship.
The pre-fight altercation, captured on video, adds another layer of drama to an already compelling championship narrative. Such incidents often serve to heighten fan interest and pay-per-view sales, as they underscore the genuine animosity or competitive fire between the athletes. The UFC will likely use this footage in its promotional packages for the event.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.