Strickland Stirs Controversy with Chimaev Attacks Ahead of UFC 328 Title Fight

The American middleweight challenger has already started trash-talking the champion despite being ranked below another contender.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:03am

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Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, has already begun a war of words with current champion Khamzat Chimaev ahead of their title fight at UFC 328 on May 9. Despite being ranked below fellow contender Nassourdine Imavov, Strickland was granted the title shot and has wasted no time in attacking Chimaev on social media, including making controversial remarks about the champion's ties to Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov.

Why it matters

Strickland's attacks on Chimaev have already stirred up controversy, and the buildup to their fight is likely to feature more of the same. This high-profile title fight comes at a pivotal time for the UFC, as they prepare for their first event at the White House, which was originally promised to feature 'eight or nine' title fights but has fallen short with just two.

The details

Strickland, who previously held the middleweight title for a brief stint in 2023 before losing it to Dricus du Plessis, is seeking to regain the championship by challenging the dominant Chimaev. Despite being ranked below Nassourdine Imavov, Strickland was granted the title shot and has wasted no time in attacking Chimaev on social media, including making controversial remarks about the champion's ties to Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov. Strickland has also referenced his mic being cut off during a previous press conference, suggesting the promotion is trying to silence him.

  • Strickland will challenge Chimaev for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 9, 2026.
  • Strickland recently defeated Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston in February 2026.

The players

Sean Strickland

A former UFC middleweight champion who is seeking to regain the title by challenging the current champion, Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC middleweight champion, who will be defending his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Nassourdine Imavov

A UFC middleweight contender who is ranked higher than Sean Strickland, but was not granted the title shot against Khamzat Chimaev.

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What they’re saying

“We're not fighting at the White House. They don't like terror*sts there.”

— Sean Strickland (Facebook)

“Don't be scared this time Paramount+...don't be scared.”

— Sean Strickland (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Strickland's controversial attacks on Chimaev have already generated significant buzz ahead of their highly anticipated title fight at UFC 328, and the buildup to the event is likely to feature more of the same. This fight comes at a critical time for the UFC as they prepare for their first event at the White House, which has fallen short of its initial promise of featuring a large number of title fights.