Dana White known as the buildup to UFC 328 one of many worst unhealthy blood instances in MMA historical past after Thursday’s press convention in Newark, New Jersey. The UFC president reacted to the heated alternate between middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland, saying fights typically keep respectful however this one didn’t. White positioned the rivalry within the prime three for the promotion.
Dana White on Chimaev vs. Strickland: “One of many Worst Circumstances of Dangerous Blood Ever.”
Dana White, chatting with Nina Drama, defined:
“This extremely anticipated battle is lastly going to occur on Saturday. Typically guys are very respectful, and typically they’re not… immediately was a kind of days. This is among the worst instances of unhealthy blood ever.”
Chimaev and Strickland confronted off on the Prudential Heart earlier than Saturday’s important occasion. Safety separated them after Chimaev kicked towards Strickland’s decrease physique throughout the stare-down. Strickland stumbled again as guards rushed in; White stood close by and had urged them to behave moments earlier. Publish-incident, Strickland posted on X that it matched his expectations from a coward.
Tensions hint again to 2022 when Chimaev visited Strickland’s health club for a sparring session. Chimaev later shared video of the matchup, claiming he bullied weak individuals after Strickland accused him of selecting straightforward companions. The 2, as soon as coaching companions, turned foes with digs at heritage, politics, faith, and private lives. Strickland referenced Chimaev’s Russian roots and UAE battle itemizing; Chimaev hit on Strickland’s abusive father and childhood.
Faith entered when Strickland labeled Chimaev a terrorist. Chimaev fired back, “I’m terrorist for him. I’m going to take off his head. I’m going to kill him.” Strickland replied he prevented faith till Chimaev introduced it up, calling him a canine who ought to go away the nation. Chimaev calmed briefly with “I’m not going to the touch you,” however the kick adopted Strickland’s “You ain’t going to do s***.”
White saved them aside a lot of battle week resulting from volatility. Chimaev predicted Strickland lifeless in two days and known as himself his daddy within the cage. Strickland needs Chimaev to wrestle, claiming he’ll outwrestle him to keep away from a uninteresting battle. He earned the shot through third-round TKO over Anthony Hernandez in February; Chimaev holds an undefeated 15-0 report with 9 UFC wins, 4 by submission.
Chimaev makes his first title protection after wins over Robert Whittaker and Kamaru Usman, claiming the middleweight title from Dricus du Plessis. Strickland seeks to reclaim the belt misplaced to Dricus du Plessis in January 2024. Betting favors Chimaev at 6-to-1 odds, however Strickland goals to disrupt with psychological video games. The five-round conflict settles years of trash discuss contained in the Octagon.
