Family drama! Sean Strickland compares Khamzat Chimaev to his late father: 'Boogeyman'

Sean Strickland Weigh-in at the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

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About to face a huge challenge represented by Khamzat Shimaev in the main fight of UFC 328, Sean Strickland He sees next Saturday's (9) confrontation as something much bigger than the possibility of regaining the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg). Having had a childhood marked by the abusive and violent behavior of his late father, the American compared the psychological perspective experienced throughout the years of abuse with the expectation of facing the Chechen. He spoke about the subject during the half day of the event, held this Wednesday (6).

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Recalling an episode in which he assaulted his father to defend his mother, the former champion said he perceived a vulnerability in his father that hadn't existed before. Therefore, he believes he can see the same effect in Chimaev, who is accustomed to dominating opponents throughout his 15 undefeated professional fights.

“You’ll find out (about people), maybe Chimaev included… like, growing up, my dad was the boogeyman. I was 17, he wouldn’t let my mom go to work. I went in there and said, ‘Dad, let her go to work.’ The guy came at me. I thought it was my day. I headbutted him, broke his nose, he fell. The guy started crying. It was so disappointing for me. This guy who was a psychopath my whole life, who I was afraid of. You just see him, this crybaby son of a bitch on the floor bleeding,” recalled Strickland, who is coming off a victory against anthony hernandez.

😳 Sean Strickland says Khamzat Shimaev reminds him of the “boogeyman” image he had of his father growing up — until he finally fought back and realized he was just a “whiny little b***ch.”:

“You're gonna find [people], maybe Chimaev included.. like growing up my dad was the… pic.twitter.com/yAfFUuuQ4t

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 6, 2026

Strickland has some surprising wins on his record.

Israel adesanya x Sean Strickland . Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc

This will be Strickland's third opportunity to become middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg). The first time, he shocked the world by defeating... Israel adesanya in September 2023. The American was controversially dethroned by Dricus Du Plessis Four months later, he failed once again against the South African in the rematch. Now, he tries to relive the performance he delivered against the Nigerian to once again cause an upset in the most famous octagon in the world.