Khamzat Chimaev has suggested that Sean Strickland is fortunate to be facing him at UFC 328 rather than in a street fight.
The two are scheduled to meet in the main event on May 9 in Newark, N.J. Chimaev will be defending his middleweight title for the first time against Strickland, who is known for his outspoken nature. Both fighters have volatile personalities, leading UFC CEO Dana White to keep them separated until their walk to the cage.
Chimaev’s Chilling Words
In a vlog posted by Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev responded to a social media comment about whether security would need to restrain him from Strickland even after the fight ends.
“I don’t want to kill a man,” Chimaev said. “Haram. … No. They wouldn’t let me kill him there anyway. Out on the street, that’s different—if he dies, he dies. But in the cage, it’s sport.”
Title Defence Strategy
Chimaev secured the middleweight title with a decision victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 this past August. Before that, he was known for his quick finishes. Chimaev dominated his first four UFC opponents, including a 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschart, and first-round finishes against Li Jingliang and Rhys McKee. His fight against Gilbert Burns, which he won by decision, earned both men a Fight of the Night award.
Chimaev remains open to any route to victory against Strickland.
“Honestly, I don’t think about that at all,” Chimaev said. “I’m just training for now. Whatever happens, happens. … I always picture victory, but only the Almighty knows how it will happen. By any means.”
Potential Pre-Fight Confrontation
Chimaev was asked about the possibility of encountering Strickland before their fight.
“I want to fight,” Chimaev said. “We still have to fight anyway. … I move according to the situation.”
- Chimaev faces Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, N.J.
- Chimaev is defending his middleweight title for the first time.
- Dana White is keeping the fighters apart due to their volatile personalities.
Chimaev is preparing for his fight against Strickland, stating that he always pictures victory, but only the Almighty knows how it will happen.