Khamzat Chimaev has fired back at Sean Strickland’s pre-fight threats as tensions simmer ahead of their UFC 328 clash at Prudential Center in Newark.
Strickland made derogatory comments toward Chimaev and threatened to shoot him and his team if they crossed paths and things escalated. In response, Chimaev said he welcomes the threats but hasn’t seen Strickland at all during fight week.
"I don't think it's possible (for Strickland to shoot me) because they don't let me see this guy," Chimaev said. "So, I don't know where he is. I've been here for three days in the lobby, and the guy said he's gonna shoot me. Let's go. Do that. I will be happy to die."
The UFC has taken extra precautions to keep the two separated until they meet in the cage Saturday. Chimaev added, "I think they took him to some other hotel... I don't know. I tried to find the guy – and that's not so much personal. The guy just talks too much."
Despite the heated trash talk, Chimaev insisted the buildup is not personal and said he is focused on handling business, securing his biggest UFC payday to date, and moving on after the fight. "After the fight, I beat him up, maybe never see him again. Other 15 guys I've already beat, I almost didn't see them again. I don't care about his life, I'm doing my life."
