The tension is reaching a boiling point ahead of UFC 328, and Khamzat Chimaev isn't backing down from Sean Strickland's alarming threats—including a chilling promise to bring a gun to their showdown.

In a fiery pre-fight rant, Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) unleashed a barrage of insults at the current UFC middleweight champion, even vowing to "shoot him and his team" if things got heated. But instead of flinching, Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is welcoming the danger with open arms.

"I don't think it's possible for him to shoot me, because they won't let me see this guy," Chimaev told reporters during a media scrum in Morristown, New Jersey. "I've been here for three days in the lobby, and the guy said he's gonna shoot me. Let's go. Do that. I will be happy to die."

The undefeated champion, known for his fearless fighting style and relentless pressure inside the cage, seems unfazed by the threats. He's been actively trying to track down Strickland during fight week, but security measures have kept them apart—at least until they step inside the Octagon on Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark.

"Let him come," Chimaev said, shrugging off the trash talk. "I think they took him to some other hotel. I don't know. I tried to find the guy—and that's not so much personal. The guy just talks too much."

Despite Strickland's heated words, Chimaev insists none of it is personal. For the champion, this fight is strictly business—a chance to secure the biggest payday of his UFC career and prove once again why he's the king of the middleweight division.

As for any post-fight reconciliation? Don't count on it. "What's the point if I shake hands or not?" Chimaev said. "After the fight, I beat him up, maybe never see him again. Other 15 guys I've fought, same thing."

With the stakes higher than ever and emotions running wild, all eyes are on UFC 328 to see if the drama boils over before the first punch is even thrown.