Overview
- Chimaev, in a vlog published Thursday, said street violence is different and used the line “if he dies, he dies,” while adding that the cage is sport.
- He also played down a backstage team clash by saying Strickland does not really have a team and said he just wants to fight.
- Dana White confirmed the promotion canceled the new Paramount face-off segment, put the fighters in separate hotels for fight week, and will keep all meetings under supervision.
- A pre-fight press conference is still planned with extra security, reflecting concerns that trash talk could spill over without tight control.
- The May 9 UFC 328 main event in Newark is Chimaev’s first middleweight title defense against former champion Sean Strickland after a feud that began as teammates and grew through a tense training session and online barbs.