Invincible? Khamzat Chimaev promises to scare Sean Strickland and downplays his own abilities: 'Nothing will work'

Chimaev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Finally, Khamzat Chimaev will put the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) on ​​the line for the first time. In the main event of UFC 328 , scheduled to take place this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the Russian champion will face Sean Strickland , one of his biggest rivals. And, without mincing words, the feared 'Borz' has intensified the already hostile rivalry.

On the ' Countdown' program to promote UFC 328 , Chimaev, brimming with confidence, categorically stated that the outcome of the highly anticipated duel against the American is already decided, even before it takes place. And the athlete's stance is understandable. Besides holding the belt, the Russian is considered by many to be a phenomenon in MMA, is undefeated, and, not surprisingly, is considered the overwhelming favorite to win.

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To shock the world! Sean Strickland exudes confidence and promises to knock out the 'coward' Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328: 'He'll drown'

End of an era! Khamzat Chimaev hints at a move up to light heavyweight after his fight against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Therefore, 'Borz', aware of his skill, doesn't shy away from the responsibility, embraces his status for the fight, and promises to terrorize Strickland. So much so that the champion doesn't seem worried about his opponent's game plan, based on intense pace and a high volume of strikes.

“I love my job. Who’s the best? Who’s going to win? That excites me. Everyone has their chance and they can try whatever they want, but it won’t work on me because I’m Khamzat Chimaev . I always knew I could beat anyone. If you’re the best, you beat anyone. Everyone can be confident, but when the octagon closes, they’ll have to stay there with me for a long time,” said the UFC champion.

“If they’re scared, great. If not, I’ll make them scared. Strickland only has a jab and a right hand. If we only fought boxing, I could finish this guy. But I never think about my opponent’s style. Why should I think about what he’s going to do? He only has one thing: only hope. I’m going to crush this guy,” he concluded.

Chimaev's fighters in MMA

Khamzat Chimaev , 31, is one of the best and most fearsome MMA fighters today. The Russian began his career in the sport in 2018, debuted in the UFC in 2020, and became middleweight champion in 2025. Before that, 'Borz' also excelled in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg).

In this modality, the athlete competed in 15 fights and won them all, 12 by stoppage (six by knockout and six by submission). His main victories were over Dricus du Plessis , Gilbert Burns , Kamaru Usman , and Robert Whittaker.

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