Khamzat Chimaev kicks Sean Strickland during UFC 328 face-off
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 7
Khamzat Chimaev kicks Sean Strickland during UFC 328 face-off
12 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 7
The middleweight champion lashed out in Newark, New Jersey, after a heated news conference, with UFC security and armed police separating the fighters before Saturday's title bout.
The clash followed days of escalating hostility, including Strickland's racist and derogatory remarks about Chimaev's religion and heritage and a previous threat to shoot him.
Dana White suggested no UFC discipline was likely, but New Jersey's athletic board could still act; the controversy has also driven huge attention, with the news conference drawing 1.2 million YouTube views.
Will the historic Van vs. Taira title fight's skill outshine the main event's bitter animosity this Saturday?
Will extreme security contain the UFC's 'ugliest rivalry,' or is pre-fight chaos now just part of the show?
As a 6-to-1 underdog, does Sean Strickland's unique style pose a real threat to the undefeated champion Khamzat Chimaev?