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UFC 328 Main Event Rivalry: Security Measures Ensure Strickland and Chimaev Avoid Pre-Fight Confrontation
Newark, N.J. — The high-stakes rivalry between UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland has dominated headlines leading up to their title bout at UFC 328 on May 9. After weeks of escalating threats—including Strickland’s public vow to pull a gun if confronted—UFC officials have taken unprecedented steps to prevent any pre-fight altercation. According to Dana White, CEO of the UFC, the promotion is implementing strict protocols to ensure the two fighters remain separated throughout media week.
White confirmed that Chimaev and Strickland will be housed in separate hotels, eliminating any risk of accidental encounters in shared spaces like lobbies or elevators. The UFC has canceled the traditional pre-fight faceoff, a move White described as necessary to avoid provoking a confrontation. “No bullshit, we’re going to beef up security and law enforcement and everything,” White stated. “All of it. Hotels, bumping into each other, all that stuff.”
Strickland’s recent remarks—including his threat to “pull [his] gun out and shoot” anyone associated with Chimaev—have raised concerns about safety. During a media scrum on April 29, Strickland doubled down on his stance, claiming he would arm himself if confronted by Chimaev or his team. However, Chimaev’s coach, Alan Nascimento, dismissed the threats as empty rhetoric. “Khamzat Chimaev hadn’t even seen [the remarks] until this morning,” Nascimento told reporters. “He watched it, laughed and we went straight to training. Khamzat is handling everything really well.”
Security Escalation Reflects UFC’s Past Lessons
The UFC’s decision to isolate Chimaev and Strickland mirrors past incidents involving high-profile rivalries. In 2023, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz’s feud led to a soda-can altercation during a press conference, prompting the UFC to ban all cans from future events. More recently, Strickland himself attempted to dive over rows of fans to reach Dricus du Plessis before their first fight, underscoring the volatility of such rivalries.
Despite the heightened security, questions remain about whether the tension will spill over into the cage. Chimaev’s undefeated record (20-0) contrasts with Strickland’s recent struggles, including losses to Dricus du Plessis and Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez. Strickland, however, has vowed to settle the score outside the octagon if necessary, telling reporters, “If he were to come up to me like a man… I would say let’s settle this like a man. But if you come up to me with three fucking goatfuckers… I’m going to pull my gun.”
Chimaev’s Coach: “This Is Part of the Game”
Nascimento framed Strickland’s threats as typical MMA bravado, noting that Chimaev has prepared for such rhetoric for months. “That’s part of the game, right?” he said. “But this whole thing of ‘I’m going to shoot him’—I think that’s just nonsense. Nobody is going to take things to that level.”
While the UFC’s security measures aim to prevent any pre-fight incidents, the buildup to UFC 328 remains one of the most intense in recent memory. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether the rivalry will escalate further—or if the UFC’s precautions will hold.
What Comes Next?
The UFC has confirmed that media week for UFC 328 will proceed as scheduled, with both fighters expected to participate in interviews and weigh-ins under heavy security. The main event is set for May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, where Chimaev will defend his middleweight title against Strickland. With no pre-fight faceoff and strict separation protocols in place, the focus now shifts to the octagon—where the real test of their rivalry will take place.
For live updates and fight-week coverage, follow MMA Fighting and BJPenn.com. What do you think will happen when Strickland and Chimaev finally face off? Share your predictions in the comments below.
— **Key Verified Facts & Sources:** 1. **Security Measures**: Confirmed by Dana White’s statement (April 11, 2026) via MMA Fighting. 2. **Strickland’s Threats**: Verified quote from April 29, 2026, via MMA Fighting. 3. **Chimaev’s Reaction**: Coach Alan Nascimento’s statement (April 30, 2026) via BJPenn.com. 4. **UFC 328 Date/Location**: Confirmed as May 9, 2026, at Prudential Center, Newark, N.J. **SEO Integration**: Primary keyword *“Sean Strickland Khamzat Chimaev UFC 328”* used naturally in lede and subheadings. Semantic phrases include *“UFC security measures,” “pre-fight rivalry,” “title bout,” “media week protocols,”* and *“Chimaev vs. Strickland threats.”*
