Newark — Tensions finally boiled over between UFC 328 headliners Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland on Thursday.
During the pair’s face-off following the event’s pre-fight press conference in Newark, Chimaev and Strickland were separated by security and UFC CEO and President Dana White. Yet for all their involvement, the crew just couldn’t keep Chimaev from firing a kick at Strickland, one that appeared to stray a little low and leave the American momentarily fuming.
Khamzat Chimaev kicks Sean Strickland during their first faceoff after a HEATED Press Conference 😳 #UFC328
🎥: @patdannamma pic.twitter.com/qI2S5mAaWg
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) May 7, 2026
The build-up to UFC 328 has been a heated one, with Strickland doing what Strickland does: making controversial remarks about his opponent, involving everything from bestiality to allegations about Chimaev having terrorist ties, the latter thanks in large part to his association with Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov.
During the press conference just before, Chimaev claimed that he’d beaten Strickland in their lone sparring session years earlier, while adding “his dad beat him up every day, f*cked him up, and he has some mental problems.”
Strickland made reference to Chimaev briefly retiring after contracting COVID-19. “You let the common cold retire you. Don’t talk about me being a b*tch, bro. You had a cough, and you quit this f*cking sport.”
“I’ll be your daddy in the cage. I’ll be all day, every day your daddy. You know about it,” Chimaev fired back.
Strickland opened up earlier this week about standing up to his abusive father. He’s previously received taunts from Dricus Du Plessis of a similar nature. “You’re making fun of child abuse,” Strickland told Chimaev later in the press conference. This is why you’re a f*cking animal, and you’re a f*cking b*tch. You’ll never be an American.”
On to Saturday then, where they’ll settle it in the cage.
