UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has firmly dismissed any possibility of a pre-fight scuffle with former champion Sean Strickland. The two fighters are set to meet in the octagon at UFC 328, scheduled for the night of May 9-10.
In a recent interview, the 32-year-old champion, who represents the UAE, made it clear that he has no intention of engaging in any physical confrontation outside the cage. He pointed to the professional environment surrounding such events, questioning how a fight could even occur with hundreds of people present.
Chimaev emphasized his focus on the business side of the sport, stating that he is in this profession to earn money. He expressed that he has moved beyond what he considers unprofessional behavior, indicating a mature approach to his career and upcoming bout.
The champion conveyed his hope for a clean and competitive fight. He stated his desire for both himself and Strickland to perform well inside the octagon and to recover properly afterward, ultimately aiming to deliver an exciting contest for the fans.
This stance from Chimaev highlights a shift in tone from typical pre-fight hype, focusing instead on the athletic and professional aspects of the matchup. The UFC 328 event will be the stage where their rivalry is settled under the official rules of the sport.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.