The long-awaited sparring footage between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland has finally surfaced—though it may leave fans with more questions than answers.

UFC Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is just days away from his first title defense against bitter rival Sean Strickland at UFC 328, set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. With fight week officially underway, Chimaev has turned up the heat by releasing never-before-seen footage of their infamous sparring session—a topic both fighters have fueled for months with heated interviews and social media jabs.

On Tuesday, May 5, "Borz" dropped the clip across his social media channels, showing a handful of striking exchanges between the two middleweights. However, the footage notably lacks any grappling sequences, clear dominance, or a definitive answer to who came out on top. This immediately sparks speculation: Is Chimaev holding back the wrestling footage that could settle the debate once and for all?

Strickland has previously claimed he more than held his own during the session, though he did admit Chimaev submitted him while they were specifically drilling grappling techniques. Chimaev, on the other hand, has repeatedly suggested the former champion struggled badly, implying the rounds were far from competitive. Based on the released footage, however, it's impossible to confirm either version.

With the actual fight just four days away, the sparring footage may ultimately be little more than pre-fight drama. But that won't stop the tension from boiling over. UFC 328 media day takes place tomorrow, meaning Strickland will almost certainly have something to say about the leak—along with whatever unfiltered chaos comes with it.

For fight fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this is the kind of rivalry that makes MMA unforgettable. Whether you're team Chimaev or team Strickland, one thing is certain: Saturday night can't come soon enough.