Chimaev Kicks Strickland, Sparks Brawl at UFC 328 Press Conference

A press conference for UFC 328 erupted into chaos Thursday when Khamzat Chimaev kicked Sean Strickland during a face-off, touching off a massive brawl before their scheduled fight.

Strickland, known for his blunt talk, criticized the security presence and Chimaev's behavior. "No, it doesn't make sense when you let a f---ing neanderthal come into this country who can't keep his s--- together for five days," Strickland said.

He mocked Chimaev for not fighting in the parking lot. "I just knew you were a f---ing coward. I knew you had a lack of f---ing dignity. You're just not a f---ing man, dude," Strickland added.

Chimaev said his focus was on money. "I am here just to make money," he said. "I just care about making millions, smashing somebody, being happy and going home."

Earlier in the day, Chimaev dismissed the chance of a clash. "I don't think it's possible for anything to happen because they won't let me see this guy," he said.

UFC president Dana White overruled that. Asked if the rivals could face off, White replied, "Absolutely." As they approached center stage, he urged them to "be good."

Chimaev looked Strickland in the eye. "I'm not going to touch you," he said. Moments later, Chimaev launched a kick that set off the melee.

Strickland later posted on social media that the move was "exactly what I expected a coward to do." He also criticized Chimaev's wrestling. "Who wants to watch this guy go dry hump everybody? You have this no personality, unlikable f---ing dog as a champion," Strickland said.

Chimaev hopes Strickland stays healthy. "I hope he is going to be healthy, no injuries, so, being ready for when I beat him up, he will have no excuse," Chimaev said.

The fight heads to the Octagon on May 9, 2026, with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center in Newark.