Overview
- The UFC middleweight title fight, scheduled for Saturday at Newark’s Prudential Center, proceeds under heightened security after a week of threats and on-stage contact.
- Following Thursday’s press conference face-off, Chimaev kicked at Strickland, and security swarmed the stage before officials kept the rivals apart at later events.
- At Friday’s official weigh-ins, Chimaev made 185 pounds but looked severely drained, and teammate Arman Tsarukyan said he cut nearly 45 pounds during fight week.
- Betting markets lean to the champion, with FanDuel listing Chimaev around -590 on Friday and BetOnline moving to -500 on fight day.
- The UFC boosted security throughout the week after Strickland said he would pull a gun if confronted, and Dana White called the heated buildup “exciting” and said it does not scare him.