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Dana White allowed Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland to face off, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control. The UFC President, Dana White, had stated he would permit Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland to go head-to-head after the UFC 328 press conference, but he might now be regretting that decision.
The fighters were brought back onto the stage after spending the better part of 30 minutes trading insults. White stood between them, urging them to "behave" so their encounter could proceed. Strickland began to speak provocatively, while Chimaev insisted, "I won't touch you," as the two middleweights moved closer, surrounded by security.
"You won't do anything," Strickland yelled at Chimaev.
A second later, Chimaev kicked Strickland, and complete chaos erupted. Security immediately grabbed the UFC middleweight champion and his upcoming opponent to separate them before the situation could escalate further.
Strickland struggled, attempting to break free and charge at Chimaev, but he was surrounded by at least five security personnel, including members of the Newark Police Department. Unable to reach Chimaev on stage, Strickland shouted at him, "You coward, you bitch!"
After the press conference concluded, Strickland commented on Twitter about the incident and Chimaev's kick.
"Just what I expected from a coward," Strickland wrote.
The animosity between the two fighters was evident throughout the press conference, with tensions escalating during their face-off. Given Thursday's events, it remains to be seen whether the UFC will allow Chimaev and Strickland to confront each other again during Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins.
Video from the UFC 328 press conference
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