UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has expressed his desire to keep the upcoming UFC 328 bout against Sean Strickland within the bounds of sportsmanship, citing his religious beliefs as a reason he will not go overboard in the octagon.
While UFC President Dana White is implementing strict measures, including separate hotel accommodations and increased security, to prevent any pre-fight altercations between the former training partners turned rivals, Chimaev himself stated his intention to simply compete.
In a recent interview, Chimaev remarked, “I just want to fight. We will fight anyway.” He also commented on Strickland’s limited team, noting, “It’s just one coach. He likes me more.”
When questioned about potentially overwhelming Strickland with a submission and needing to be restrained by security, Chimaev clarified his stance. “I don’t want to kill a man. Haram,” he stated, referring to his religious prohibition against taking a life. He added that even if he wanted to, security would prevent such an action within the cage, emphasizing, “But in the cage, it’s sports.”
However, Chimaev did offer a stark warning regarding any potential encounters outside the octagon. “Out on the street, that’s different,” he cautioned. “If he dies, he dies.”
This indicates Chimaev’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport during their UFC 328 matchup, while also acknowledging a more visceral reaction to potential confrontations in other settings.
