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Chimaev vs. Strickland Set for May 9 at UFC 328 as Brutal Camp and Taunts Define Build-Up

Viral sparring clips, with reports that Chimaev is paying partners to try to submit him, underscore an unusually severe preparation.

Overview

  • UFC confirmed Khamzat Chimaev will defend the middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Official UFC Eurasia footage shows Chimaev dropping light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr., who later called the training week painful and humbling.
  • Daniel Cormier reports Chimaev has offered cash to elite partners who can beat or submit him in the gym, describing the approach as a self-imposed bounty.
  • Strickland has started provocative online attacks, including a Facebook post claiming their bout is not on the White House card because “they don’t like terrorists there.”
  • Chimaev posted a welcome to ACA welterweight champion Abubakar Vagaev reportedly signing with the UFC, which Tapology says ACA’s CEO confirmed, though the UFC has not announced it.