As fight night draws closer, the rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland has reached another dramatic level ahead of UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. What was expected to be a routine promotional face off quickly turned chaotic when Chimaev suddenly kicked Strickland in the shin during Thursday’s stare down session.
The tense moment unfolded even with increased security surrounding the event. UFC president Dana White was positioned between the two fighters and repeatedly warned them to remain calm, but emotions still boiled over. The incident immediately drew attention from fans and media as the middleweight title fight continues to generate massive interest ahead of Saturday night at the Prudential Center.
The hostility between the pair is not new. Their issues date back to 2022 when both fighters briefly trained in Las Vegas. Since then, Strickland has publicly accused Chimaev of acting aggressively inside the gym environment, while Chimaev has repeatedly denied those claims and dismissed the accusations entirely.
Over the years, the tension has only intensified. Strickland, who holds a professional MMA record of 30 wins and 7 losses, previously made headlines after stating he would protect himself with a firearm if Chimaev and his team attempted to confront him outside competition. Those remarks reportedly influenced the UFC’s decision to strengthen security measures throughout fight week.
Extra precautions have been visible across Newark and nearby Morristown, where many athletes are staying. Police officers have reportedly remained present around the fighter hotel, while metal detectors were introduced as an additional safety measure. Strickland has also chosen to stay at a separate location away from Chimaev’s camp to avoid unnecessary confrontations before the championship contest.
Following Thursday’s altercation, Strickland reacted on social media by criticizing Chimaev and calling the action cowardly. Despite the kick, Strickland did not appear injured, and there has been no official confirmation regarding disciplinary action from the New Jersey Athletic Control Board.
The championship bout remains scheduled for Saturday, where the unbeaten Chimaev enters the cage with a perfect 15-0 record, while Strickland looks to reclaim middleweight glory in one of the most heated rivalries currently inside the UFC.
