Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to defend his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland on Saturday. The fight is part of UFC 328 and will take place in Newark, New Jersey.
Chimaev Kicks Strickland After Heated Exchange
The animosity between Chimaev and Strickland escalated at a news conference before UFC 328. Chimaev kicked Strickland, despite the presence of armed police on stage. The pair had been trading insults.
The exchange became increasingly bitter and personal. Chimaev beckoned Strickland towards him while being held back by UFC security. He then launched a kick at Strickland.
Security and armed police escorted each fighter off stage in separate directions as they continued to exchange expletives. The crowd roared during the altercation.
Rivalry Fuels Fight Week Tension
Tensions have been building throughout the week leading up to the fight. Strickland has made derogatory and racist comments attacking Chimaev’s religion and heritage. Last week, Strickland threatened to shoot Chimaev if he and his team confronted him.
The UFC has hired extra security to protect each fighter. They have also reportedly kept the pair in separate hotels.
Despite Strickland’s comments, Chimaev had been calm during fight week, but was animated during the news conference. Security had to intervene before the pair had even taken their seats. Chimaev responded to Strickland’s goading with comments about childhood trauma which Strickland has spoken about in the past.
Strickland responded to Chimaev’s comments by saying, “You’re making fun of child abuse,” and followed up with further expletives.
UFC’s Stance on Fighter Conduct
UFC president Dana White has described the rivalry as a “top-three” heated rivalry of all time in the UFC. When asked if he enjoyed the rivalry, White responded, “it is what it is”.
Despite the offensive comments, it is unlikely the UFC will take any disciplinary action. White is a vocal supporter of free speech. “I think probably the most important free speech to protect is hate speech,” White said last year. “Because when a government or a certain person can come out and determine saying ‘this is hate speech’, it’s a very slippery slope and it’s dangerous, in my opinion.”
Aftermath of the Altercation
Strickland did not appear to be hurt by the kick. He wrote on social media, “exactly what I expected a coward to do”.
It is unclear whether the New Jersey Athletic Control Board will punish Chimaev for the altercation.
Throughout fight week, the rivalry between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev has been a debacle waiting to happen.
Chimaev is making the first defence of his UFC middleweight title.