An MMA analyst assessed the UFC 328 press conference between Chimaev and Strickland as emotionally charged but lacking substantive back-and-forth. Chimaev's attack line focused on Strickland's childhood trauma, while Strickland targeted Chimaev's connections to Kadyrov, Chechnya, and accused him of cowardice for traveling with an entourage. Neither fighter effectively adapted or developed new angles during the exchange. The presence of armed security in body armor added dramatic effect. The analyst suggested Strickland expended more emotional energy with his politically-charged statements about Muslim migration to the United States, while Chimaev appeared less affected, possibly because few take Strickland seriously and because Chimaev holds a significant fighting advantage heading into their bout.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
