Strickland raises his voice, questions the security structure of UFC 328 and slams Chimaev: 'Coward'

Sean Strickland Makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

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The atmosphere is already heating up for the main fight of UFC 328Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Sean Strickland faces the current belt holder, Khamzat Shimaev, this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), in a duel that is worth the top of the division. On the eve of the confrontation, the American did not hold back when talking about his rival and even criticized the protection installed by the organization for the event, which was considered “unnecessary”.

The rivalry between the two is not recent. Former teammates at Xtreme Couture, Strickland and Chimaev saw their relationship deteriorate over time, with public taunts and increasingly harsh statements. Now, in addition to the championship belt at stake, the confrontation carries a strong personal component.

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However, according to Strickland, the UFC is exaggerating the preventative measures to avoid trouble during fight week. The American assured that he doesn't intend to start any problems, but made it clear that he won't remain passive if something happens.

"I think this security is quite unnecessary. But it's like this: how much money is the UFC making and spending on this fight? Chimaev isn't going to fight me (outside the octagon). If he comes with one of his ten friends to try something, they're going to lose a ton of money."

That's why I'm bringing up Chimaev again and saying he has absolutely no dignity. At what point in my life would you see me saying 'I'm going to ambush you' or 'my friends are going to get you' or 'my religion is going to get you'? What kind of thing is that? You (referring to Chimaev) act like a coward. A dog. I would never say that.

Do you think my fans would do that to you? No, because my fans have dignity. They are real men, unlike you. I am a man with dignity. I would just say: 'Hello, Chimaev, see you on Saturday'. But he, being the kind of guy he is, will probably say some bullshit, and I'll say 'then let's go'. Then he'll run out the door and bring his little friends. Why? Because that's who he is,” Strickland told reporters on Tuesday (5).

Strickland believes he can "knock out" Chimaev if they fight outside the octagon.

Chimaev attempts to solidify his reign in his first title defense, while Strickland seeks to reclaim the title and prove he still belongs at the top of the division. Inside and outside the octagon, the confrontation promises to be one of the most intense of the year. And, according to the American, if a battle were to take place outside the UFC, he believes he could come out on top.

“I’m a grown man. I don’t hang out with a group because I’m a scared coward. I can call Chimaev right now and arrange to meet in the parking lot. And guess what? I’ll go alone. He’ll show up with about 30 guys. Why? Because even if, deep down, he thinks he can beat me, he knows there’s a chance I could knock him out right there. And that cowardly side of him will never let him act like a man.”

"He'll call his friends, he'll hide behind religion. He's a weak guy. I'm a man. I stay in my lane, you stay in yours, and we stare at each other for two seconds. But this guy isn't like that. I'll tell you: if he doesn't have ten friends with him, everything will be fine. But if he has that many friends with him, then it won't be fine," Strickland concluded.