Strickland responds to Chimaev striking him at faceoff

Sean Strickland responded to Khamzat Chimaev's physical strike during their UFC 328 faceoff, calling it "exactly what I expected from a coward." A transcript of the exchange reveals heated verbal sparring between the two fighters, with Dana White attempting to intervene and keep them separated. Chimaev struck Strickland in the leg during the confrontation after intense verbal exchanges. The dialogue included Chimaev saying "I'll knock you out" while Strickland repeatedly challenged him. The incident has further escalated tensions ahead of their title fight.