The tension between UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland reached a boiling point during the pre-fight press conference for UFC 328 in Newark. The two fighters engaged in a heated verbal exchange, setting the stage for their upcoming main event clash.
The confrontation began when Strickland commented on Chimaev's demeanor, suggesting the champion always carries himself as if he is trying to intimidate everyone around him. Chimaev did not shy away from the accusation, instead embracing it and directly telling Strickland that he would indeed bully him during their fight.
Chimaev then escalated the trash talk by referencing a past incident, alluding to a situation where Strickland allegedly asked someone named Eric to intervene and remove Chimaev from his vicinity. The champion claimed Strickland often complained during their training sessions and invited Strickland's own coach to corroborate the story.
Strickland fired back with his own accusations, claiming that during a previous grappling session, Chimaev woke up and immediately fled the scene. Strickland asserted that he and others witnessed Chimaev's departure, emphasizing that he himself never runs from a confrontation.
The champion remained unfazed by the counter-accusation, insisting he had submitted Strickland multiple times in their past encounters. Chimaev pointed out Strickland's visible nervousness and concluded by declaring he would become Strickland's 'father' in the octagon, a common trash-talk phrase implying dominance.
The bout between Chimaev and Strickland will headline the UFC 328 card, scheduled to take place on the night of May 9th to 10th in Newark. This fight represents a significant challenge for both athletes as they prepare to settle their differences inside the cage.
Chimaev enters this contest following a dominant unanimous decision victory over South African contender Dricus du Plessis, a win that secured him the middleweight championship. Strickland, meanwhile, is coming off an impressive knockout victory against Anthony Hernandez, demonstrating his continued knockout power.
The pre-fight animosity has clearly set the tone for what promises to be an intense championship encounter. Both fighters have made their intentions clear, with Chimaev aiming to assert his dominance and Strickland seeking to reclaim the title he once held.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.