Tensions between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland have raised concerns ahead of their UFC 328 title fight, with suggestions the promotion could cancel traditional fight week faceoffs following escalating threats between the two fighters.
The bout, scheduled for May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, headlines the card and has drawn attention not only for its sporting stakes but also for the increasingly volatile pre-fight exchanges between the competitors.
“I doubt they’ll have face offs,” said Dominick Cruz, according to MMA Junkie. “If they’re saying that, why would you have a face off? Why would you even take the risk if you’re Dana (White) with these two guys? Kind of like ‘DC’ and Jones and you could have another one of those situations where they just scrap and knock everything off the table. I don’t think they’re faking, I think they’re just talking crazy because they’re making sure you know: Don’t test me. That’s what’s been put out. ‘Don’t test me or I’ll do it.’ And UFC will say, ‘Okay, we’re going to listen. Bring the security out.’”
Cruz referenced a previous incident involving Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier at a 2014 media event, which led to a physical altercation and prompted the UFC to implement measures aimed at preventing similar confrontations during promotional activities.
“I think this is just fight week pressure and they both have an image to uphold, and both of them are going to flex bigger than the other one because that’s the personality they’re trying to bring,” Cruz added. “They can’t start being nice now. They’ve got to be the crazy guys. And now they’re going to out-crazy each other to see who’s tougher. That’s how I see it. Like, ‘No, I’m crazier than you, you can’t be crazier than me because I’ve already shown you how crazy I am.’ It’s just a show to me. But at the same time, the nerves of the fight going to the death is real. Two things can be true at the same time.”
With fight week underway, the UFC is expected to assess the situation closely, with the possibility that additional security measures,or the removal of faceoffs altogether,could be implemented to avoid escalation before the bout.
The fight marks one of the most high-profile matchups of the year, with both athletes known for their outspoken personalities and aggressive fighting styles, adding further intrigue to an already highly anticipated contest.
