UFC Cancels Khamzat Chimaev And Sean Strickland Face-Off Ahead Of UFC 328
The UFC has officially confirmed that there will be no traditional face-off between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland ahead of their middleweight title fight at UFC 328 this Saturday.
According to reports surrounding fight week, the decision was made because of the increasingly hostile relationship between the two fighters. The UFC reportedly wants to avoid any unnecessary physical altercation before fight night, especially considering the tension that has built between them over the last few years. Given their history, the decision probably is not surprising.
What makes the rivalry more interesting is that Chimaev and Strickland were not always enemies. The two previously spent time training together during Chimaev’s visits to the United States, and there was once mutual respect between them inside the gym.
That relationship slowly collapsed as both fighters became major contenders in the UFC middleweight division. Over time, interviews, online exchanges, and personal comments started creating friction between the pair. Strickland repeatedly criticized Chimaev publicly, questioning both his personality and his activity level inside the UFC. Chimaev responded with insults of his own, and the tension quickly escalated into one of the most personal rivalries in the division.
Their issues became even more obvious after several awkward public interactions during UFC events and interviews over the last year. At one point, Strickland openly mocked Chimaev during media appearances, while Chimaev later warned that things could become physical if they crossed paths outside the cage.
Former Training Partners Now Fighting For The Title
The fact that they once trained together adds another layer to the fight. In MMA, former teammates fighting each other often creates emotional matchups because both fighters usually know details about the other’s style, habits, and weaknesses. That familiarity can sometimes make the rivalry even more intense once personal issues become involved.
Chimaev enters UFC 328 undefeated and carrying huge momentum after dominating several top middleweight contenders. His wrestling pressure and aggressive style have made him one of the most feared fighters on the UFC roster.
SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
Strickland, meanwhile, continues to build his reputation as one of the sport’s most unpredictable personalities. Inside the cage, though, he remains extremely difficult to deal with because of his pressure, cardio, and constant volume striking.
The decision to avoid a face-off also shows how seriously the UFC is taking the tension between them. Face-offs are normally one of the biggest promotional moments before a title fight, especially for high-profile rivalries. Canceling one entirely is relatively uncommon unless there are genuine concerns about things escalating.
At this point, though, the UFC probably feels it no longer needs extra promotion for the fight. The hostility already feels real enough. Now all the tension, trash talk, and history between the former training partners will finally lead to the Octagon this weekend, with the UFC middleweight title on the line.
READ MORE: Elbrus Osmanov Eyes Next Move After Earning ONE Championship Main Roster Contract
Recent posts
