The tension is reaching a boiling point ahead of UFC 328, and the UFC is preparing for fireworks—both verbal and otherwise—at Thursday's pre-fight press conference. Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland are set to face off for the first time this week, and the promotion is bringing in extra security to ensure things don't get out of hand before they step inside the Octagon on Saturday.
This isn't just any press conference. It's a showdown of champions and challengers, with middleweight titleholder Chimaev and flyweight king Joshua Van taking one side of the stage, while Strickland and Tatsuro Taira stand opposite. Unlike recent events, only the main event and co-main event fighters will be present, putting the spotlight squarely on the heated rivalry between Chimaev and Strickland.
If you've been following this feud, you know there's no love lost between these two. The trash talk has been relentless, with both men trading insults and even threatening to take things beyond the cage. Strickland didn't hold back in a recent interview with CBS Sports' Brian Campbell, calling Chimaev a "coward" and questioning his character. "I just knew you were a f---ing coward," Strickland said. "You have a lack of f---ing dignity. You're just not a f---ing man, dude."
The UFC is well aware of the bad blood and is prepared to keep the peace—at least until a referee is present on fight night. For fans, this press conference is a must-watch, offering a rare glimpse into the raw emotion and intensity that defines this grudge match.
Mark your calendars: the press conference takes place Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m. ET from the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. You can catch the live stream on Paramount+ or the official UFC YouTube channel. And if you want to watch the full event, sign up for Paramount+ to stream UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland live—plans start at just $8.99 per month, and every UFC numbered event and Fight Night is included.
Don't miss a moment of the action, whether it's the verbal sparring on Thursday or the main event showdown on Saturday. This is one fight week you'll want to follow from start to finish.