Dana White reveals security measures for Chimaev vs Strickland promotion

Dana White has revealed the unusual security logistics being planned around the promotional build-up for the middleweight title fight between Hamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, publicly addressing the measures on April 12, 2026.

White confirmed that the two fighters will be housed in separate hotels leading into the bout, a precaution designed to prevent any unplanned confrontations between them. He also raised concerns about organizing promotional faceoffs for Paramount, suggesting those events may need to be avoided altogether. White made clear that any public appearance featuring both men will require an exceptionally large security presence.

Strickland, 35, enters the fight as the reigning middleweight champion, carrying a professional record of 31 wins and 7 losses. The American fighter, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach that allows him to control range from the outside.

Why it matters

• The security concerns signal an unusually volatile promotional period, even by combat sports standards, which could limit traditional pre-fight media opportunities.
• Strickland's middleweight title is on the line, making the stakes as high as they get in the division.
• The decision to potentially skip face-offs for Paramount is a notable departure from standard promotional practice and could affect the fight's commercial build-up.

White's public acknowledgment of these arrangements is a rare admission of just how carefully the UFC is managing the relationship between these two fighters in the weeks ahead.