Chimaev Kicks Strickland During Heated Face-Off Ahead of UFC 328

The face-off between UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former champion Sean Strickland descended into chaos just one day before UFC 328. The two fighters exchanged heated words during the official event in Newark, with tensions reaching a boiling point when Chimaev kicked Strickland during the final staredown.

Despite prior concerns from the UFC and strict instructions to both camps to avoid physical contact, UFC president Dana White allowed the fighters to come face-to-face at close range. That quickly led to another round of provocations.

“I beat you in the gym, and I’ll beat you in front of everyone here too,” Strickland shouted, continuing to claim that he dominated Chimaev during their past sparring sessions.

Chimaev did not hold back in response, firing back with personal insults as tensions escalated even further. After a prolonged verbal exchange, the champion suddenly kicked Strickland, forcing security to immediately intervene and separate the two men.

The incident only added more fuel to the fire ahead of their highly anticipated showdown, which headlines UFC 328 this Saturday at Prudential Center.

Expectations are now even higher that the rivalry between the two will produce one of the most emotional and charged fights in recent years.