TLDR
- Eric Nicksick recently exchanged respectful messages with Khamzat Chimaev despite coaching opponent Sean Strickland for UFC 328
- Nicksick previously trained Chimaev at Xtreme Couture and maintains a friendly relationship with the fighter
- The coach’s calm approach contrasts with Strickland’s hostile view of the May 9 title bout
- Daniel Cormier suggested extra security for the event, believing the animosity between fighters is genuine
- Nicksick expressed concerns about emotional intensity and deep-seated issues from the fighters’ shared history
Sources: Yardbarker | Bloody Elbow | MMA Junkie | Total Pro Sports
Eric Nicksick finds himself in an unusual position ahead of UFC 328 on May 9. The Xtreme Couture coach will be in Sean Strickland’s corner against Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter he previously trained.
Nicksick revealed he recently exchanged messages with Chimaev despite standing on opposite sides of the upcoming title fight. The middleweight challenger reached out just days ago with a respectful message.
“I talked to Khamzat. I wouldn’t say we talked quite a bit. But you know, we’ve always been friendly man,” Nicksick said on Submission Radio. “Like I got nothing but love and respect for him and he wrote me a couple nights ago. Just you know, hey coach love and respect you. We’ll see you May 9th and I was like same to you brother. Have a good camp stay healthy and we’ll see you soon.”
The coach’s calm approach stands in sharp contrast to his fighter’s perspective. Strickland has taken a hostile stance toward Chimaev leading up to their title bout.
Eric Nicksick on how the heated rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland could affect the fight:
"The title is important for everybody, but this has a different vibe to it. There’s a competitive nature between these two guys, and I hope they don’t make it more of an… pic.twitter.com/wwJc67hcsh
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 16, 2026
History Between Coach and Fighter
Nicksick coached Chimaev during his time at Xtreme Couture. The two developed a bond that has survived despite the upcoming championship clash between their camps.
The coach praised the positive training dynamic when Chimaev and Strickland trained together years ago. That friendly past now contrasts with the current tension building toward fight night.
Nicksick’s concerns extend beyond typical pre-fight drama. While he maintains personal respect for Chimaev, he has expressed worry about the emotional intensity fueling this particular rivalry.
The coach highlighted issues stemming from the fighters’ shared history. Past friendly training sessions have given way to genuine animosity that sets this matchup apart from manufactured promotional rivalries.
Cormier Warns of Real Danger
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier shared concerns about the legitimacy of the bad blood between the fighters. He suggested the UFC should increase security measures for the event.
“I don’t know if I trust those two enough to put them together before the fight because they might start fighting,” Cormier said. His comments came from experience at the highest level of the sport.
Cormier emphasized that this rivalry differs from promotional theater. He knows the difference between fake animosity created for pay-per-view sales and genuine tension.
The history between Strickland and Chimaev provides foundation for these concerns. These are not strangers creating controversy for marketing purposes.
Cormier spoke as practical advice rather than exaggeration for content. The danger feels real enough to warrant extra precautions before May 9.
Nicksick’s task involves managing emotional intensity while preparing Strickland for the title defense. The coach aims to channel his fighter’s hostility productively inside the octagon.
The personal bond between Nicksick and Chimaev remains intact despite the professional rivalry. Their recent exchange of respectful messages demonstrates that relationship continues even as fight night approaches.
