Khamzat Chimaev says the bad blood with Sean Strickland has only raised the stakes and his paycheck heading into their UFC 328 showdown on Saturday night in New Jersey.
Speaking on Tuesday, Chimaev acknowledged that Strickland’s trash talk has turned into a financial positive for him. “I don’t know they pay good for him. That’s the important thing. I never made that much money before. That’s good.”
The UFC has taken steps to keep the two separated during fight week, including hiring extra security and, according to Chimaev, moving Strickland to another hotel. “I think they took him to some other hotel so maybe thinks so. I tried to find the guy and that’s not so much personal. The guy just talks too much.” He added, “I don’t think it’s that possible [for any back and forth] to happen. Because they don’t let me see this guy.”
Chimaev, who says he has largely remained calm despite Strickland’s derogatory language, dismissed any concern over their relationship once the fight is over. “What’s the point if I shake hands or not after the fight? I beat him up, maybe never see him again The other 15 guys who I beat, I almost didn’t see them again. I don’t care about his life. I care about my life.”
