TLDR
- Sean Strickland says he will carry a firearm to protect himself from Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328
- Strickland refuses to resolve his ongoing feud with Chimaev
- UFC 328 takes place in Abu Dhabi where Chimaev has a large support base
- The two fighters have had previous confrontations and ongoing tensions
- A former UFC fighter predicts Chimaev faces a tough fight at the upcoming event
Sources: MMA Fighting | Bloody Elbow | Sherdog | BJPenn.com
Sean Strickland has issued a serious warning to Khamzat Chimaev ahead of UFC 328, stating he will carry a firearm if the two fighters encounter each other at the event. The former UFC middleweight champion made the threat public through recent statements to MMA media outlets.
Strickland told reporters he plans to be armed at the upcoming event in Abu Dhabi. “I’m going to shoot him,” Strickland said when asked about a potential run-in with Chimaev at UFC 328.
The threat comes as tensions between the two fighters continue to escalate. Strickland emphasized that he will “be strapped” at the event, indicating he plans to carry a weapon for protection.
Strickland has made it clear he has no intention of resolving his issues with Chimaev peacefully. According to reports, the former champion stated he will never bury the hatchet with his rival.
Sean Strickland has a drastic solution if Khamzat Chimaev confronts him during #UFC328 fight week 👀
📰 https://t.co/RosHmUYylv pic.twitter.com/SOMDdnVUeB
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 29, 2026
Background of the Feud
The conflict between Strickland and Chimaev has been building over time. The two fighters have exchanged words through media interviews and social media platforms in recent months.
UFC 328 is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The location is considered home territory for Chimaev, who has strong support in the Middle East region.
Strickland’s comments raise questions about security measures at the event. UFC has not publicly responded to the threats at this time.
The fighters are not scheduled to face each other at UFC 328. Both men compete in the middleweight division, though their paths have not crossed inside the octagon.
Chimaev’s Upcoming Fight
While Strickland focuses on the potential confrontation, Chimaev is preparing for his own bout at the event. A former UFC star has weighed in on Chimaev’s upcoming fight, describing it as “very tough.”
The former fighter’s assessment suggests Chimaev faces a serious challenge at UFC 328. Details about Chimaev’s specific opponent and fight details were not elaborated on in the reports.
Strickland previously held the UFC middleweight championship before losing the title. He remains an active competitor in the division and continues to be a vocal personality in the sport.
Chimaev has built a reputation as an undefeated fighter with an aggressive style. He has competed in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions during his UFC career.
The situation presents potential security concerns for UFC officials organizing the Abu Dhabi event. How the promotion will handle the public threats between the two fighters remains to be seen.
Strickland’s statements represent an escalation in rhetoric between MMA fighters outside the cage. The nature of his threats goes beyond typical pre-fight trash talk common in combat sports.
UFC 328 is expected to draw large crowds in Abu Dhabi. Chimaev’s presence at the event will likely generate strong local support given his connection to the region.
