Tensions between middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland boiled over Thursday, when Chimaev kicked Strickland in the shin during a promotional stare-down ahead of UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.
The incident occurred despite the company’s heightened security measures during fight week and came as UFC CEO Dana White stood between them and instructed them to behave.
The two middleweights have a history since 2022, when they briefly trained together in Las Vegas. Strickland (30-7) has accused Chimaev (15-0) of being a “bully” in the gym; Chimaev has said that Strickland made up the story.
Animosity between the two has built up over the years, to the point where Strickland has threatened to defend himself with a gun if Chimaev and his team try to assault him. In response, the UFC has added additional security this week, including a constant police presence and metal detectors at the fighter hotel in Morristown, New Jersey. Strickland has been staying at an off-site location, away from Chimaev and his team.
After Chimaev’s kick Thursday, Strickland wrote on social media, “Exactly what I expected a coward to do.”
Strickland did not appear to suffer any injury, and it’s unclear whether the New Jersey Athletic Control Board will seek to punish Chimaev.
Strickland will challenge Chimaev for the 185-pound belt at UFC 328 on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark.
