Alan Nascimento, the head coach for UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, recently shared his perspective on Sean Strickland’s verbal provocations. The rivalry between Chimaev and Strickland was a focal point leading up to UFC 328, prompting enhanced security measures from UFC officials, including separate accommodations and the avoidance of direct face-offs to prevent altercations.
Nascimento Explains Why Strickland’s Online Tirades Would Have Had Legal Repercussions Previously
Nascimento noted a significant shift in Chimaev’s demeanor since securing the championship belt against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August. He stated, “The mindset of a champion is different. When a guy is a champion in his mind, something happens, and I can clearly see that in Khamzat.” He further elaborated that Chimaev’s maturity grew during the Whittaker training camp and intensified after winning the title, which he believes explains why Strickland’s trash talk is proving ineffective.
Strickland escalated the intensity by making threats involving firearms and racist comments directed at Chimaev’s Chechen heritage, even warning of shooting Chimaev and his associates. Nascimento recalled showing Chimaev the clips, to which Chimaev reportedly responded with laughter, dismissing Strickland as a “clown,” and immediately returned to his training.
The coach contrasted Chimaev’s current calm reaction with his past behavior. “If those things that Sean Strickland has been saying on the internet had happened four years ago, somebody would be in jail,” Nascimento stated in an interview.
This timeframe aligns with Chimaev’s early days in the UFC, recalling incidents like the chair-throwing episode with Darren Till during training sessions. At that time, sparring partners remembered Chimaev repeatedly tapping Strickland out during rounds at Extreme Couture. Nascimento attributes Chimaev’s current composed response to his “champion mindset.” Chimaev’s team had proactively prepared for Strickland’s fighting style, anticipating his aggressive forward striking and takedown defense based on previous encounters.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland at UFC 328
Following concerns raised by Joe Rogan regarding potential risks associated with pre-fight face-offs, UFC executives implemented stricter security protocols. Dana White confirmed the increased security measures for the event in New Jersey. Chimaev himself downplayed the threats during media day, asserting his role as the hunter.
Nascimento expressed optimism about the fighter’s journey, saying, “We are embracing the journey and giving our best every daily. Our job is to go there and deliver our best.” He hopes for a clean face-off for the fans, adding, “I hope at least one face-off happens without problems because the fans deserve that.”