Dana White Worries Over Arranging Heavy Security For Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland Face Off

UFC CEO Dana White reveals his worries heading into the highly anticipated grudge match between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland.

Dana White Worries Over Arranging Heavy Security For Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland Face Off

Dana White talks about Sean Strickland vs Khamzat Chimaev (via MMA Mania, Yahoo Sports)

In Short
  • Dana White expresses serious security concerns for the Chimaev-Strickland face-off at UFC 328.
  • Both fighters are known for their volatile personalities, raising fears of potential altercations.
  • Heavy police presence will be implemented during fight week to ensure safety at the Prudential Center.

Since becoming UFC President in 2001 and later CEO, Dana White has dealt with nearly every situation imaginable during his tenure. From post-fight brawls to heated press conferences, he has consistently handled intense moments inside the promotion. However, he has now raised serious security concerns as Khamzat Chimaev prepares to defend his middleweight title against rival Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Strickland is widely regarded as one of the most controversial fighters on the roster, largely due to his personality and consistently polarizing comments, including his stances on politics, women’s MMA, and his approach to trash talk. Chimaev, on the other hand, is known for refusing to tolerate any disrespect and has repeatedly shown a willingness to engage in brawls or altercations in the past.

White has supported fighters building their own personas and promoting fight narratives. He has maintained that athletes should stay marketable by using free speech to showcase their true personalities. However, Strickland and Chimaev are extreme examples of that approach. The UFC CEO recently spoke about his security concerns for UFC 328 at the Prudential Center during a stream with Adin Ross.

Let me tell you the amount of security we are going to need in New Jersey for those two. The amount of security and police and yeah.

Dana White via Kick

Security measures across the UFC have reached heightened levels, particularly following the promotion’s new media and streaming rights deal valued at $7.7 billion with Paramount+. Strickland has already experienced this shift, notably during a heated, expletive-filled rant aimed at Chimaev after his win over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston, when his microphone was cut off mid-speech for his remarks.

Chimaev and Strickland were once teammates and good friends, often praising their time together in training. Their relationship later deteriorated after Strickland delivered a heated rant targeting Chimaev’s association with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, escalating tensions between them. The controversial star also accused ‘Borz’ of involvement in crypto-related controversies, further intensifying the rivalry.

Both Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland are known for their short tempers, raising concerns about potential fight-week tensions. While this may be difficult to contain, it is nothing new for Dana White, who has handled similar situations throughout his tenure. The UFC boss has consistently prioritized the safety of fighters and fans, and will aim to do the same at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on May 10.

Dana White reacts to fighting rival boxing promoter

Dana White has made a significant move into the world of boxing with Zuffa Boxing, marking a new chapter in his career. The UFC CEO has introduced his own championship belt and has already staged five numbered events under the banner. However, a major rival in this venture has been Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing, who has been trading barbs with the UFC boss in recent months.

Dana White grilled by UFC legend
Dana White grilled by UFC legend (via Bleacher Report)

In recent times, the rivalry between White and Hearn has extended to a potential in-ring challenge. White called for a boxing match to settle their differences after the British promoter criticized the Zuffa Boxing belt. Hearn responded by sharing a training video warning White, further escalating tensions. However, the UFC CEO recently explained that a fight with Hearn remains the least of his concerns.

Nobody wants to see two old dudes fight. If we did, we would be the first prelim of the night. I’m 56 years old, I fight to get out of bed every morning.

Dana White via Kick

The rivalry has further intensified after Dana White signed Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing, who was previously linked to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. In response, Hearn moved to sign UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to his Matchroom Talent Agency. These back-and-forth moves have further escalated tensions, cementing their rivalry as one of the most notable cross-promotional clashes.

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