Khamzat Chimaev is not buying into the chaos, the threats, or the noise. As far as he’s concerned, it’s all talk and he’s ready to prove that inside the cage.
The middleweight champion defends his title against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 in Newark, and the build-up has been anything but calm. From heated exchanges to outright threats, tensions have boiled over. But Chimaev isn’t losing sleep over any of it.
“Clowns always talk,” Chimaev said. “He’ll stop being a clown if he’s quiet. He didn’t shoot any chickens in the world, how’s he going to shoot a human?”
That blunt response came after Strickland claimed he would carry a gun for protection in case of any pre-fight confrontation. While the UFC has already ramped up security for fight week, Chimaev dismissed the idea that things would spill over outside the Octagon.
“I don’t think the guy wants a real war outside the cage,” Chimaev said. “If he wanted that, he would be dead already.”
Despite the threats, Chimaev insists the real fight happens where it matters. And if Strickland believes his own words, the champion is more than ready to test that confidence.
“I like his talking,” Chimaev added. “He’s good for me. I don’t worry about talking. He’s talking for everyone. I hope he talks more, it’s funny to listen to this guy.”
Beyond the verbal shots, Strickland has leaned heavily on their past sparring sessions, claiming he had success against Chimaev in the gym. That claim clearly struck a nerve.
“He never had success with me,” Chimaev said. “It’s not going to be different this time. Back then, I was fighting at 170. Imagine I beat him at that weight while cutting. Now people see how big I am, how hungry I am.”
For Chimaev, this fight is simple. He sees a predictable opponent and a clear path to victory.
“He can try whatever he wants, but it’s not going to work,” Chimaev said. “I see only jab, jab, right hand. If it’s just boxing, I beat him up. I don’t think about his style. Why should I? He has one thing, hope.”
Undefeated with a 15-0 record and dominant throughout his UFC run, Chimaev has built his reputation on overwhelming opponents early and often. Wins over top names like Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Gilbert Burns have cemented his status as one of the most feared fighters in the sport.
Now, with the spotlight on UFC 328, Chimaev isn’t just looking to defend his belt—he’s looking to silence the noise.
“Going to go there and smash that guy,” he said.
And if his track record is anything to go by, Chimaev plans to do exactly that.
