Sean Strickland is one of the most controversial fighters in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Brazil
The atmosphere behind the scenes of UFC 328 remains heated on the eve of the main fight between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev . Faced with constant provocations between the rivals, the American's coach, Eric Nicksick, broke his silence on the possibility of a confrontation even before the fight this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA). Despite the growing tension, the coach shows confidence that common sense will prevail until they enter the octagon.
In an interview with the website 'MMA Fighting', Nicksick downplayed the possibility of a physical confrontation outside of the official fight and emphasized that both fighters have a lot to lose if they cross the line before the event. The coach stressed that the focus should remain on the middleweight title fight (up to 83,9 kg), avoiding any situation that could compromise the athletes.
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“I mean, they’re not going to make money doing it that way. You guys have a fight scheduled, you’re professional fighters, so go out there and make your money. I hope it all stays just a rivalry. I hope they fight, that the best one wins, and who knows, maybe eventually they can all train together again. That’s my vision,” said Eric Nicksick.
In addition to commenting on the tense atmosphere, Nicksick also highlighted the magnitude of the challenge Sean Strickland will face. According to the coach, defeating an undefeated and dominant athlete like Khamzat Chimaev would represent a huge milestone in the former champion's career.
"I think it would be huge, especially because it's Khamzat and because he's an undefeated fighter who, in my opinion, nobody has really been able to truly challenge to this day."
So, for us to get in there and beat a guy his size would be huge for everyone, especially for Sean. We know our guy has the capabilities and qualities needed to do it,” Nicksick concluded.
Full UFC 328 Card
Promotional poster for UFC 328 : Chimaev vs. Strickland. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Khamzat Chimaev puts his middleweight belt on the line in the main event of UFC 328 , making his first title defense in the organization. On the other side, Sean Strickland tries to reclaim the championship in a duel marked by sporting importance and a rivalry built over the years, since their time training together at Xtreme Couture. Check out the event's fight card below (subject to change).
MAIN CARD (22pm Brasília time)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland – title fight
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira – title fight
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Bobby Green vs. Jeremy Stephens
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier x Ozzy Diaz
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Grant Dawson x Mateusz Rebecki
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Roman Kopylov x Marco Tulio Matuto
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomis
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Baisangur Susurkaev x Djorden Santos
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa
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