Security Intervenes During Chimaev And Strickland Face-Off

The UFC 328 press conference in Newark descended into chaos after middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) kicked Sean Strickland (30-7) during their faceoff, triggering a mass security intervention on stage.

The pair had spent the better part of 30 minutes exchanging insults before being brought back up for the faceoff, with Dana White stationed between them urging both men to keep it together. As the two closed in on each other, Chimaev told Strickland “I’m not going to touch you” — moments before landing a kick.

Security flooded the stage immediately, with at least five personnel including members of the Newark Police Department pulling the fighters apart before the situation could escalate further. Strickland has now responded: “Exactly what I expected a coward to do.”