
Dani Mérida levanta dos pelotas de partido para repetir victoria ante Trungelliti
Dani Mérida levanta dos pelotas de partido y avanza en Madrid
Luke Rockhold supports Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland for UFC 328. Chimaev will defend his title against Strickland on May 9 in Newark.
Mentioned in this story
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Luke Rockhold is making it clear that heâs not supporting the American in the UFC 328 main event, even though they share a passport.
Khamzat Chimaev took his first step towards UFC gold last August, picking up a decisive win over Dricus du Plessis in Chicago.
Heâll put his belt on the line for the first time this May, with Newark hosting the bout against Sean Strickland. Chimaev vs. Strickland will headline UFC 328 on May 9.
Despite no Americans currently holding titles in the promotion, Rockhold has decided not to back his fellow countryman this time around.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Both men have been involved in their share of controversies, but itâs Stricklandâs behaviour that has particularly put Rockhold off. Speaking about his experiences training with âBorzâ at Jaxxon gym, the former middleweight champion described him as a decent person.
But he doesnât hold the same opinion about the American challenger, and he made it clear who heâll be supporting on May 9 when they meet at the Prudential Center.
âSean, heâs effective,â Rockhold said during an interview with Adam Zubayraev. âHe scraps and he hangs in there.
âKhamzat, heâs so much more talented. Itâs about who can relax and implement their gameplan the best. Khamzat is doing everything he needs to and I think he can really have a masterclass.â
âI expect the best from Khamzat,â added Rockhold. âI would love to see him put this fâing American away. Iâm American but I like good people.â
The tension between Rockhold and Strickland isnât new. Back in 2021, they were meant to face off at UFC 268 before Rockhold had to withdraw due to injury.
The UFC 328 main event featuring Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled for May 9.
Khamzat Chimaev is fighting Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
Khamzat Chimaev's last fight before UFC 328 was a decisive win over Dricus du Plessis in August.

Dani Mérida levanta dos pelotas de partido y avanza en Madrid
Big day for Notre Dame: Zayden Gamble to announce commitment Saturday!
Daniel Jones' injury raises questions for Colts' 2026 NFL Draft plans.
Florida Gators secure key player retention in transfer portal, boosting NCAA hopes.
Are MMA referees showing signs of improvement lately?
Phillies part ways with pitcher Taijuan Walker, still owe him $15M
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
The tension between Rockhold and Strickland has been simmering for years. The pair were originally booked to fight at UFC 268 in 2021 before an injury forced Rockhold out of the contest.
Read more: