Tensions between middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland boiled over Thursday, when Chimaev kicked Strickland in the shin during a promotional stare down ahead of UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey.

The incident occurred despite the company's heightened security measures during fight week and came as UFC CEO Dana White stood between them and instructed them to behave.

What Happened at the Faceoff

As Chimaev and Strickland prepared to go face to face, White implored them to "be good, guys." The current and former UFC middleweight champions were then brought together, with multiple people holding them back as they traded words back and forth.

Among the things heard: "I'm not going to touch you," from Chimaev, and "You ain't going to do shit," from Strickland.

Chimaev then landed a kick to Strickland's lower body. It is unclear exactly where the kick made contact, but Strickland fell back and chaos broke loose as security rushed the stage and the two men were wrestled away from each other.

Strickland, who could be heard yelling, "You bitch, you coward!" later took to social media to share his opinion.

"Exactly what I expected a coward to do," Strickland wrote.

A History of Bad Blood

The two middleweights have a history since 2022, when they briefly trained together in Las Vegas. Strickland (30-7) has accused Chimaev (15-0) of being a "bully" in the gym. Chimaev has said that Strickland made up the story.

Animosity between the two has built up over the years, to the point where Strickland has threatened to defend himself with a gun if Chimaev and his team try to assault him. In response, the UFC has added additional security this week, including a constant police presence and metal detectors at the fighter hotel in Morristown, New Jersey. Strickland has been staying at an off site location, away from Chimaev and his team.

White on the Faceoff: "According to My Therapist, I'm a Sociopath"

The scene was heated enough that White was asked if he would actually allow them to go face to face. He did not hesitate.

"Absolutely," White said, later adding, "According to my therapist, I'm a sociopath. Why would I not have a faceoff?"

Strickland did not appear to suffer any injury from the kick, and it is unclear whether the New Jersey Athletic Control Board will seek to punish Chimaev.

UFC 328 Main Event Set for Saturday

Strickland will challenge Chimaev for the 185 pound belt at UFC 328 on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark. The undefeated Chimaev is a -550 favorite to retain the middleweight belt, which he won from Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August. The Strickland fight will be his first title defense.

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