Dana in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
It took a while, but Khamzat Chimaev finally has a fight scheduled in the world's largest MMA organization. The middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) will defend his title for the first time against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 , scheduled to take place on May 9th in New Jersey (USA). And, in anticipating what's to come, Dana White revealed a certain apprehension.
Speaking to the UFC's official YouTube channel, the company president candidly admitted to being worried about what the fighters might do before, during, and after the highly anticipated fight. Dana's pessimistic view is understandable, given that the rivalry between Chimaev and Strickland is one of the biggest and most hostile in MMA today.
Whenever they can, the middleweight champion and the challenger, who are longtime rivals, constantly and publicly exchange insults and threats. The tension surrounding the pair is so high that many are more anxious for the press conference than for the fight itself. Aware of the extreme animosity between the athletes and their bad boy reputation, Dana White has indicated that security at the event will be reinforced.
“Fun event and, obviously, the main fight is the fight everyone has been waiting for a long time. Strickland was incredible in his last performance. How much security do you think we'll need? (laughs),” said the UFC president.
Main fights of UFC 328
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Khamzat Shimaev x Sean Strickland
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Alexander Volkov x Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sean brady x Joaquin buckley
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jan Blachowicz x Bogdan Guskov 2
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Roman Kopylov x Marcus Tullius Learn
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.