Fight fans are excited to see a grudge match between UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland at UFC 328 this May, but UFC officials are already worried.
On Thursday, UFC CEO Dana White announced a long list of main events and fight cards all the way through UFC’s anticipated White House card in June. One of the fights that was revealed was a 185-pound title fight between Chimaev and Strickland. Some fight fans may have expected surging middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov to get the next nod, but matchmakers felt Strickland did enough in his recent main event beatdown over Anthony Hernandez and awarded him another UFC title shot.
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Everything looks good on paper, but the matchup between Chimaev and Strickland is already raising some concerns for White and company. That’s because both Chimaev and Strickland are two of the most confrontational fighters on the UFC roster today and always seem one second away from brawling with their opponents during fight week and other pre-event obligations. Add in a history of bad blood between the two fighters and it could spell disaster.
Luckily, White knows what he’s dealing with and already seems ready to hire extra security to prevent any unnecessary blowups between the two middleweights. Check out what White said during Thursday’s fight announcements below:
“Fun card and obviously the main event is the fight people have been waiting for for a long time,” said White. “Strickland looked incredible in his last performance.”
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“How much security you think we’re gonna need for Chimaev vs. Strickland?” White added with a laugh.
What do you think, Maniacs? Will we even get to fight night or will Chimaev and Strickland throw hands before then?
Let us know!
For more UFC 328 fight card news and coverage click HERE.
