Chael Sonnen just lately pumped the brakes on Sean Strickland’s escalating rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev, questioning whether or not the middleweight challenger crossed a line when he threatened to shoot the defending champion on social media forward of UFC 328.
The strain between Chimaev and Strickland has been constructing for months. What began as typical prefight banter shifted dramatically when Strickland made his intentions clear: he can be armed when Chimaev arrived and wouldn’t hesitate to make use of it if jumped by his crew.
Chael Sonnen Breaks Down Why Sean Strickland’s ‘I’m Going to Shoot You’ Remark Crossed a Line Earlier than UFC 328
“I felt just like the ‘I’m going to shoot you’ remark took a number of the enjoyable out of it,” Sonnen defined. “I want that phrase wasn’t used.” The Corridor of Famer then added: Strickland isn’t merely working his mouth. “By the best way, I don’t know that he was kidding. He’s somebody who practices his Second Modification rights. He does have a hid carry. He’s skilled with a weapon.” Strickland truly has the authorized and sensible means to do what he’s saying which remodeled your complete dynamic of the confrontation.
Ariel Helwani expressed concern that the escalation may spiral uncontrolled earlier than combat evening, worrying the UFC may have to cancel the occasion totally. Sonnen, who appeared on The Ariel Helwani Present, provided his perspective on why this specific second felt completely different from the standard trash discuss that defines MMA promotion.
Sonnen’s core concern facilities on the place the road sits between hype and reality. All through his profession, the retired fighter engaged in heated rivalries however didn’t face confrontations that crossed from phrases into bodily altercations. He understands the atmosphere intimately. But even with that background, introducing weapons into the equation represents uncharted territory for contemporary UFC promotion.
“I don’t like that theme,” Sonnen concluded relating to the implications of Strickland’s assertion.
