UFC 328: Emotions are running high! Khamzat Khimaev kicked Sean Strickland

Tension ahead of UFC 328 exploded already at the press conference. Khamzat Khimaev and Sean Strickland didn’t leave a dry eye on each other, and their meeting only heated up the atmosphere ahead of this weekend’s gala.

From the very beginning it was rough. The two fighters exchanged strong words, there was no shortage of vulgarities and personal jabs. Strickland slammed his rival’s background, while Chimaev responded with announcements of dominance and more taunts.

Kicking in front of everyone

The climax occurred during the face to face. Dana White had appealed for calm moments earlier, but emotions took over.

When the fighters faced each other, “Borz” moved forward. Despite being held back by security, he managed to launch a kick in Strickland’s direction. Although it didn’t look particularly strong, attention was drawn to the direction – everything pointed to the fact that Chimaev was aiming at the American’s knee, which has been giving him problems for a long time.

The incident has only added fuel to the fire ahead of UFC 328. Cool heads will be hard to come by in the octagon, and the clash promises to be one of the most electrifying in recent times.

THIS WAS INEVITABLE 👀@KChimaev vs @SStricklandMMA

[ #UFC328 | MAY 9 | 9pmET | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Rm4OSEWSa7

– UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2026