Khamzat Chimaev expressed admiration for Sean Strickland, stating he 'loves' him and appreciates how Strickland promotes their upcoming fight. Chimaev noted that Strickland's earnings are significant, highlighting the financial aspect of their rivalry.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates prepares to face Kamaru Usman of Nigeria in a middleweight fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Khamzat Chimaev is not on the verge of raging out on Sean Strickland during UFC 328 fight week. On the contrary, Khamzat says heâs got a deep appreciation for what Sean has done to sell their fight.
The reigning UFC middleweight champion shared that surprising outlook during a quick media scrum on Tuesday.
âI love him,â Chimaev said of Strickland with a smile. âThey pay good for him, so thatâs the important thing. I never made that much money before. Thatâs good.â
Much has been made of Stricklandâs comments that heâd wait in the hotel lobby for Chimaev and shoot anyone that approached him the wrong way. Thereâs been talk of cancelling faceoffs due to the possibility of violence. âBorzâ shrugged off that talk.
âLet him come,â he said. âI think they took him to some other hotel. I donât know. I tried to find the guy, and thatâs not so much personal. The guy just talks too much ⊠I donât think itâs possible because they donât let me see this guy. So, I donât know where he is. Iâve been here for three days in the lobby, and the guy said heâs gonna shoot me. So letâs go. Do that. I will be happy to die.â
Khamzat Chimaev stated that he 'loves' Sean Strickland and appreciates his ability to promote their fight.
Chimaev admires Strickland for successfully selling their fight and noted that Strickland earns a good amount of money.
The fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland is scheduled for UFC 328.

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â[The increased security] is not for me. Itâs for his safety.â
Khamzat may like the money that comes from the attention generated by Stricklandâs antics, but that doesnât mean heâll kiss and make up following their main event fight at Newarkâs Prudential Center on Saturday night.
âWhatâs the point if I shake hands or not?â he asked. âAfter the fight, I beat him up, maybe never see him again. Other 15 guys Iâve already beat, I almost didnât see them again. I donât care about his life, Iâm doing my life.â
Chimaev made it clear heâd be done with Strickland the moment the final bell rang, and perhaps done with middleweight in general. Asked if this would be his last fight at 185 pounds, the Chechen fighter nodded.
âI hope so,â he said. âI like to eat pizza.â