Sean Strickland e Khamzat Shimaev will face each other in UFC 328Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Montage SUPER LUTAS.
Khamzat Shimaev This further increased the tension for the duel against Sean Strickland making a controversial statement about "killing" his opponent. The rivals face off in a fight for the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) at UFC 328, an event scheduled for May 9th in New Jersey (USA). Chimaev's statement comes amidst a scenario already fraught with provocations. This is because Strickland has also been raising the stakes in the weeks leading up to the battle.
It's FREE: Receive the day's top news on WhatsApp.
In an interview with journalist Adam Zubayraev, the middleweight champion commented on the atmosphere surrounding the fight against 'Tarzan' and, when asked about "killing" his rival, responded directly, heating up the confrontation between the declared rivals.
“I don’t want to kill anyone. That’s haram (forbidden). They wouldn’t let me kill him there anyway… but on the street it’s different. If he (Strickland) dies, he dies. In the cage, it’s a sport,” said Chimaev.
Khamzat Shimaev was asked if he's planning on killing Sean Strickland 😅
“I don't want to kill anyone. Haram. They wouldn't let me kill him there anyways.” 💀
(via @AdamZubayraev) pic.twitter.com/InMcPXVRhA
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 16, 2026
See too
Before the Russian's statement, Strickland had also sent a message to Chimaev. In a video posted on social media, The American showed complete confidence and promised to dominate his rival throughout the five rounds., highlighting the good physical condition he is experiencing in the current camp.
“Fight like a man, hands high, let’s go. I’m going to beat him (Chimaev) with my hands for 25 minutes. I had a great camp, I’m going into this fight strong, healthy, with my body fully recovered. It’s good to fight for the title without being injured,” Strickland stated.
Sean Strickland on the Khamzat Shimaev fight:
“I'm gonna beat the sh*t out of him with my hands for 25 minutes.” 😳 #UFC328 pic.twitter.com/Mco0jp8GnZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 15, 2026
From gym buddies to declared rivals
In addition to recent statements, the history between the two contributes to the hostile atmosphere. Former training partners at Xtreme Couture, the fighters saw their relationship deteriorate over time. Since then, they have exchanged public criticisms, with Strickland even exposing alleged behaviors of his rival in training, accusing him of avoiding tougher opponents.
“I made him quit training. I’m going to talk about this guy… Chimaev would come to the gym and pick the smallest and weakest guy, saying, ‘he looks like my opponent.’ He wants to fight at 93 kg with Jiri, who isn’t even a champion. He just runs away and hides. He did this when he trained with us and he’s still doing it now,” the American declared at the post-UFC Houston press conference in February.
It is against this backdrop that the main struggle of UFC 328 The rivalry takes on even more intense dimensions. On one side, Chimaev seeks his first title defense. On the other, Strickland tries to reclaim the top spot in the division. The combination of rivalry, strong statements, and personal history truly transforms this confrontation into one of the most anticipated at the moment.
Read More about: Khamzat Shimaev, Sean Strickland, UFC 328
You need login To comment.