Updated March 23, 2026, 11:20 a.m. ET
UFC analyst Din Thomas expects issues to get nasty between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland within the lead as much as UFC 328.
After years of speak, Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) and Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) will lastly share the octagon in a middleweight championship headliner of the May 9 occasion at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (Paramount+)
The pair have been as soon as on stable phrases and even educated collectively for a number of weeks at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. The relationship ultimately was a rivalry, nonetheless, and now the pair will conflict in what seems to be a reputable grudge match with the best stakes attainable.
Strickland has already gone on a verbal assault towards Chimaev, and UFC CEO Dana White stated extra security will be needed on struggle week. Most anticipate the trash speak to solely get darker and extra intense as UFC 328 looms, and Thomas stated Strickland have to be cautious enjoying that sport.
“I think it’s going to be real ugly,” Thomas advised MMA Junkie. “I think they’re going to need extra security. I think it can get real ugly for a couple different reasons. Here’s what Sean Strickland is brilliant at: He can cross it sometimes, but not to the point where he gets canceled or it’s like, ‘We can’t have this guy fight no more.’
“You know Sean goes to say some loopy, wild stuff and he will go away it at that and he will look forward to the struggle. But we simply do not know what Chimaev and his individuals may do in the event that they’re really offended – what they may say or do in the event that they’re really offended.”
There’s a debate to be had about whether Strickland antagonizing Chimaev is the correct approach. No one has been able to defeat “The Wolf” to this point in his career, though, so perhaps there is value is trying to get him emotional.
On the flip side, however, Chimaev is already a fierce individual, and giving him any more motivation might be a misstep. Thomas leans with the latter, especially because he thinks that skills-for-skill, Strickland is the most capable at 185 pounds of dethroning Chimaev.
“I do not know if I’d go that route,” Thomas said. “I’d concentrate on my sport and never rile this man up any extra since you simply by no means know. You cannot belief what he will do – not even him. He may need some goons with him who simply say, ‘I do not care. We’re going to point out as much as Jersey and do what we do as a result of I do not care.’ You do not know what these goons are going to do. If I’m Sean, I’m going to placed on the present, however I’m not going to let it get too far. You’ve bought to watch out.”
To hear extra from Thomas, try his full look on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
