The pre-fight buildup for the UFC 328 main event took a dramatic and heated turn during the official staredown. Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland engaged in a fierce verbal confrontation that quickly spiraled into a physical incident.
According to a transcript of the exchange, UFC President Dana White attempted to maintain order, urging the fighters to behave professionally. His plea, however, was drowned out by the escalating tension between the two athletes.
The trash talk reached a boiling point when Strickland directed a derogatory remark at Chimaev. The champion responded with a direct and explicit threat, making his aggressive intentions clear. The verbal barrage then culminated in Chimaev physically lashing out, kicking his opponent during the face-off.
This confrontation sets a volatile stage for their upcoming championship bout. The fight is scheduled to headline the UFC 328 card, taking place on the night of May 9th to 10th in Newark, New Jersey.
Both fighters enter this high-stakes matchup with significant momentum. Chimaev is coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis, a win that secured him the middleweight title. Strickland, meanwhile, is riding the wave of a spectacular knockout finish against Anthony Hernandez in his last outing.
The incident during the staredown has undoubtedly added another layer of animosity and intrigue to an already compelling championship contest. Fans can expect an intense atmosphere when the two finally step into the Octagon.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.