Sean Strickland Reveals Group Chat Misunderstanding as Moment When Hatred for Khamzat Chimaev Started

Sean Strickland is widely regarded as one of the most controversial middleweights in the UFC, largely due to his trash talk and unhinged jokes. That persona is in full play as he prepares to face former training partner and UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. In the buildup to the fight, Strickland revealed what caused the rift between them, offering insight into how their relationship broke down.

Strickland and Chimaev were originally training partners at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, where they developed a strong working relationship. During that period, both fighters shared a significant level of mutual respect and often spoke highly of each other’s skills. Strickland also trained with ‘Borz’ ahead of the fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 in 2022, further highlighting the closeness they once had.

However, their friendship began to deteriorate as tensions rose between the two fighters over time. Both shared their own versions of past training sessions, offering conflicting accounts. Strickland claimed he dominated the Chechen star, while Chimaev maintained that he submitted him multiple times. Ahead of UFC 328, Strickland revealed the root of their rivalry, explaining how the situation escalated.

There’s a guy named John, really nice young kid, he’s in Contender Series now. But we wrestled and I may have got the better of him during wrestling. And I joked, ‘Oh, I thought you would wrestle better for a Chechen.’ We have this group chat, and Chimaev sent me a message, pretty told me he’s gonna kill me, some crazy things. So, I told Chimaev I will meet you at this location at 5 pm. The next thing he says ‘Oh, it was a misunderstanding.’

Sean Strickland via UFC on Paramount

😳 Sean Strickland reveals his hate towards Khamzat Chimaev has started over a misunderstanding in a group chat:

"There's a guy named John, really nice young kid, he's in Contender Series now. But we wrestled and I may have got the better of him during wrestling.

And I joked,… pic.twitter.com/1LUWfBZPVf

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 5, 2026

Chimaev also claimed that he had a video of him choking out Strickland during their training sessions together. He threatened to release the footage publicly, further escalating tensions ahead of their clash. Despite this, Strickland’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, has remained respectful toward Chimaev. Nicksick stated that the former teammates always shared highly competitive training sessions together.

Another factor behind the deteriorating relationship was Strickland’s public call-out of Chimaev’s ties to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The controversial middleweight also publicly criticized Chimaev for attempting to involve him in cryptocurrency endorsements, which he believed were scams. These accusations further strained their bond and added a deeper personal dimension to their growing rivalry.

Sean Strickland’s controversial personality has often placed him at odds with the UFC, largely due to his outspoken nature and unfiltered remarks. That same trait appears to have played a significant role in the rift between him and Khamzat Chimaev, further intensifying their rivalry. However, with tensions now firmly established, all attention has shifted to their upcoming clash at UFC 328.

Khamzat Chimaev dismisses security concerns ahead of Sean Strickland bout

Khamzat Chimaev is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC, known for his dominant performances inside the Octagon. However, beyond his in-cage success, he has also built a reputation for getting into altercations and brawls. One notable incident came when he was involved in a backstage brawl with Nate Diaz after their main event clash was canceled at UFC 279.

Sean Strickland is also known for getting into brawls, further shaping his controversial reputation outside the Octagon. He was suspended for six months after entering the cage and starting a brawl at a Tuff-N-Uff event in June 2025. This history, combined with his rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev, has raised concerns about security amid rising tensions. Chimaev has recently addressed the situation ahead of their clash.

That loudmouth talks too much, but nothing is going to happen. How are you supposed to fight with hundred people around? What emotions? We’ll show our emotions in the cage. I came here to make money. I moved past that unprofessional stage long time ago. I hope he steps in the cage, we both perform well, recover well too. Hopefully we’ll put a great fight for you guys.

Khamzat Chimaev via Adam Zubayraev

🚨 Khamzat wishes that Sean Strickland performs and recovers well, and reassures the fight won't fall apart because he's past that unprofessionalism stage in his career:

"That loudmouth talks too much, but nothing is going to happen. How are you supposed to fight with hundred… pic.twitter.com/qpSrHtUnlb

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

However, both fighters have already begun threatening each other on social media, escalating tensions ahead of their clash. This situation has prompted Dana White to increase security measures heading into UFC 328. The UFC has limited interactions, canceled faceoffs, and placed them in separate hotels. Despite this, the Chechen champion’s recent comments have shown a more mature and professional side.

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