Sean Strickland dismisses Khamzat Chimaev sparring footage ahead of UFC 328
American challenger Sean Strickland has dismissed leaked sparring footage shared by UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev ahead of their title bout at UFC 328 in New Jersey this weekend.
The Russian titleholder posted a clip online claiming he was “bullying” his former training partner during a previous gym session.
Tensions have escalated significantly during the frosty build-up to Saturday’s highly anticipated contest.
Extra security personnel have reportedly been deployed to ensure the bitter rivals do not clash before stepping into the octagon.
Strickland disputes sparring claims
The 35-year-old challenger previously accused the current champion of deliberately picking on weaker fighters during training camps.
Chimaev directly referenced those accusations by publishing the old footage alongside a caption declaring he was bullying weak people.
However, the former titleholder has now addressed the relatively action-free video during a fiery media appearance.
“That’s what I’m talking about, the guy’s just a little f***ing rat.”
Rivalry intensifies over gym encounters
The Californian insisted he constantly sought out the toughest opponents in the gym, but claimed his opponent actively avoided high-level sparring.
“One, I didn’t know we were filming, and two, those are our warm-up rounds.”
“You’re just a weak man. What is the point? We’re light sparring.”
“When I go to a gym, I want to spar the best guy, but he would always just go beat up the lower-level guys.”
Quest for a second middleweight reign
The outspoken veteran is attempting to secure his second reign atop the 185lb division.
He previously claimed middleweight gold by producing an all-time great upset against Israel Adesanya in 2023.
Following two subsequent decision losses to Dricus du Plessis, the American secured this latest title opportunity by stopping Anthony Hernandez in February.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old reigning champion claimed the belt by dominating Du Plessis last August.
Despite some fans suggesting Nassourdine Imavov was more deserving of a title shot, the challenger confidently defended his position as the number one contender.
“I think the fight just kind of made sense, it’s kind of nice just to get a fresh look, new blood.”