Strickland reveals he waited for a face-to-face confrontation with Chimaev in the street for a reckoning; understand why.

Sean Strickland e Khamzat Shimaev These are highlights of the UFC middleweight division. Photo montage by SUPER LUTAS.

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Sean Strickland raised the tone of the rivalry with Khamzat Shimaev on the eve of UFC 328, scheduled for May 9th in New Jersey (USA). Amidst preparations for the middleweight title fight (up to 83,9 kg), the American revealed that he even provoked a possible encounter outside the octagon after statements from the Russian, but ended up being "ignored" by his rival.

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During a visit to Newport Beach, California (USA), where Chimaev is conducting part of his training camp, Strickland stated that he intentionally disclosed his location on social media with the goal of luring the champion into a face-to-face encounter. According to the American, he was just minutes away from the gym frequented by the Russian, but there was no reaction.

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“I was ten minutes from your gym… you had to know where I was. Part of me thought you would show up. I’m the last guy in the United States you should threaten,” he said. Sean Strickland in a room filled with weapons hanging on the wall.

Sean Strickland was in Newport Beach today, where Khamzat Shimaev is currently training

He says he purposely dropped his location on Instagram several times to see if Khamzat would pull up on him, and he didn't show up 👀

“I was 10 minutes from your gym… you had to know where… pic.twitter.com/Oi1HIEDK3i

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 19, 2026

Understand the reason for Strickland's response to Chimaev.

The already tense atmosphere between the two has taken new turns, further increasing anticipation for the confrontation. Strickland's attitude is a direct response to Chimaev's recent statements. In an interview with journalist Adam Zubayraev, The Russian fighter sparked controversy by mentioning the possibility of violence and "killing" his rival outside the octagon..

“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 dies, he dies. In the cage, it’s a sport,” he stated. Khamzat Shimaev in the interview.