Khalil Rountree claims he fakes pain to help Chimaev prepare for his fight against Strickland at UFC 328.

Chimaev faces his opponent before the UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Khalil rountree is totally focused on helping Khamzat Shimaev in their preparation for the first title defense of the middleweights (up to 83,9 kg), marked against Sean Strickland At UFC 328, to contribute as much as possible to the Chechen's performance, the American takes on the role of a dedicated training partner, even going so far as to simulate reactions during sparring sessions to boost the champion's confidence.

During an appearance on the 'Jaxxon Podcast', Rountree explained that his goal is not to compete with Chimaev, but to enhance his preparation. According to the 'War Horse', at times he even pretends to feel the impact of the blows more, as if he were shaken, even when they weren't that strong, precisely to indicate that his teammate's actions were effective and to help him gain confidence for the fight.

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“I’m here to help Khamzat prepare for the fight; I’m not competing with him. Sometimes I want the guy I’m helping to know if the punch was good, and if it was, I kind of pretend to kneel. You can see it wasn’t even a strong punch,” he said. Khalil rountree.

Check out Khalil Rountree and Khamzat Chimaev's training for UFC 328

🔥 Khamzat Shimaev's striking against Khalil Rountree Jr. It's looking good. pic.twitter.com/44VA6Y91ZE

— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) February 23, 2026

New footage of Khamzat Shimaev sparring with Khalil rountree and Luke Rockhold 👀

(via IG / shot_by_dame) pic.twitter.com/0KHiBHNVOb

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 26, 2026

Khamzat Shimaev drops Khalil Rountree Jr. 🤯

(via @ufceurasia) pic.twitter.com/5ckoIXS9q9

—Full Violence™ (@Full_Violence) March 14, 2026

Dana White admits fear for Chimaev vs. Strickland fight at UFC 328

Sean Strickland e Khamzat Shimaev These are highlights of the UFC middleweight division. Photo montage by SUPER LUTAS.

In a video published on the UFC's official YouTube channel, Dan White was candid and 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.

“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.