When a UFC fighter threatens to shoot another competitor inside the Octagon, you know the rivalry has reached a boiling point. With UFC 328 just hours away, Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland are trading threats and even throwing kicks during face-offs, turning what should already be a compelling Middleweight title clash into a must-watch grudge match.
This isn't just a fight between two elite athletes—it's a collision of styles, egos, and a history that's been simmering for years. Let's break down how this beef started and why it's only getting hotter.
The Friendly Beginnings (2022)
Believe it or not, things were once cordial between these two. Back in 2022, Chimaev and his training partner Darren Till visited Las Vegas to spar at Xtreme Couture, the same gym where Strickland hones his craft. At the time, Chimaev was climbing the Welterweight ranks, preparing to face Nate Diaz at UFC 279, while Strickland was focused on his own path. With no division overlap, the atmosphere was surprisingly friendly.
"Be nice," Strickland told Chimaev during those sessions. "Understand you're better than everybody, so just don't hurt people."
Who got the better of those sparring rounds? That question still fuels debate among fans and fighters alike.
The Turning Point (2023)
Fast forward to fall 2023, and the landscape had shifted. Strickland was now the UFC Middleweight champion, while Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis were both gunning for the title. At UFC 294, Chimaev earned a controversial majority decision win over a short-notice Kamaru Usman—a victory that impressed few, least of all Strickland.
"The only thing I like about Chimaev is that he sells fights," Strickland said dismissively. "For some reason, people like him or don't like him. To me, he's a paycheck. He sells fights, but he hasn't earned it. He doesn't deserve it, but here we are."
When the UFC bypassed Chimaev to give du Plessis the title shot at UFC 297, the tension only grew. Then, stories from that 2022 sparring session started surfacing, and the feud went from cold to scorching.
What's at Stake
Now, with gold on the line and bad blood boiling over, this isn't just another title fight. It's a grudge match that's been years in the making—and the only thing that's certain is that someone's getting hurt. Whether you're Team Khamzat or Team Strickland, one thing's for sure: this is the fight you can't afford to miss.