Ahead of his middleweight title challenge at UFC 328 against champion Khamzat Chimaev, Sean Strickland has publicly rejected the idea of major corporate sponsorships, specifically mentioning brands like Nike. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for May 9th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
During a media day event preceding the fight, Strickland was questioned about securing lucrative endorsement deals. He vehemently dismissed the notion, stating his disinterest in such partnerships. In a candid exchange, Strickland expressed his disdain for large corporations and their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“I don’t give a f***. If Nike wants to come give me a logo, as you go and use little Chinese kids to make shoes. F*** these major companies. If you don’t want to sponsor me, go f*** yourself. You’re the problem dude, your DEI initiatives. I don’t need to be a rich man. I’m good. I can retire now. An extra million dollars. I don’t give a f*** dude. Keep your money, you corporate scumbags.”
While Strickland currently has Monster Energy as a sponsor, he reportedly refrains from overtly promoting them during intense press conferences. This stance echoes past criticisms he has made regarding corporate partnerships, including the UFC’s deal with Bud Light.
Strickland, who lost his middleweight title to Dricus du Plessis in 2024 but has since secured important victories, is set to face Chimaev, who last defended his belt in August 2025. The build-up to UFC 328 has been marked by heated exchanges between the two fighters, with heightened security measures in place for fight week.
UFC 328’s main event will feature this contentious matchup. As the event draws near, Chimaev remains composed, while Strickland continues to be vocal. The fight is expected to significantly impact the middleweight division, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome in Newark.
English Translation:
Sean Strickland recently took aim at corporate sponsorships such as Nike ahead of his title challenge at UFC 328. Strickland heads into UFC 328 on May 9th at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, to challenge middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev for the title. The pair have exchanged sharp words online and in media sessions all week, with their history tracing back to a leaked gym sparring clip that showed tension between them.
During Thursday’s media day ahead of the bout, reporters asked Strickland about landing big sponsorships. He dismissed the idea outright. In the scrum, he laid into major brands:
“I don’t give a f***. If Nike wants to come give me a logo, as you go and use little Chinese kids to make shoes. F*** these major companies. If you don’t want to sponsor me, go f*** yourself. You’re the problem dude, your DEI initiatives. I don’t need to be a rich man. I’m good. I can retire now. An extra million dollars. I don’t give a f*** dude. Keep your money, you corporate scumbags.”
Strickland has Monster Energy as a sponsor but avoids promoting it during heated pressers. Nike once backed UFC fighters like Jon Jones and Anderson Silva in 2012, before Venum took over fight gear. His take fits past shots at corporate deals, such as the UFC’s Bud Light partnership.
Chimaev holds the belt after wins including one in August 2025, his last outing before this defense. Strickland lost the title to Dricus du Plessis in 2024 but bounced back with key victories. Extra security marks fight week due to their exchanges, like Strickland’s threat to carry a gun if attacked. Chimaev shrugged it off in a media workout, saying he waits in the lobby unafraid.
UFC 328 features this grudge match in the main slot. Pressers ran Thursday and Friday, with a White House tie-in event. Chimaev stays composed as the hunter, while Strickland keeps the volume up. Fans pack Newark for what could shift the 185-pound ranks.