The UFC 328 press conference featured an unusually heated exchange between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, marking a rare emotional display at a typically mundane UFC media event. Chimaev appeared highly charged and animated, bullying Strickland verbally in a way not seen since his fight buildup with Gilbert Burns. Strickland struggled to get his usual verbal jabs in as Chimaev dominated the exchange by yelling over him. Despite being outmatched verbally, Strickland earned respect for directly confronting Chimaev with criticisms he had previously only stated in interviews. The author notes that while the press conference delivered entertainment value, he still cannot envision a path to victory for Strickland in the actual fight.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
