The UFC recently confirmed that Sean Strickland will challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight championship at UFC 328, scheduled for May 9.
Strickland earned this opportunity after defeating Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston earlier this year. Even though Nassourdine Imavov currently sits higher in the rankings, the victory helped Strickland secure another shot at the title.
The upcoming bout will be the fourth championship fight of Strickland’s UFC career.
Early Comments Directed at the Champion
Not long after the fight was announced, Strickland began sharing messages online directed toward Chimaev. The American fighter is known for outspoken opinions, and he did not wait until fight week to begin speaking about his opponent.
In one Facebook message, Strickland commented on why the fight will not take place during the special UFC event planned for the White House.
“We’re not fighting at the White House. They don’t like terror*sts there,” Strickland wrote on Facebook.
The UFC has been planning a special fight card scheduled for June 14 that is expected to take place on the grounds of the White House. United States president Donald Trump previously mentioned that the show could feature several championship fights.
However, the matchup between Strickland and Chimaev was placed earlier on the calendar at UFC 328 instead of being part of that event.
Other major bouts connected to the upcoming White House card include Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje, while Alex Pereira is expected to challenge Ciryl Gane in an attempt to capture a third UFC championship in a different weight class.
Sean Strickland says his fight against Khamzat Chimaev isn’t happening at the White House because “they don’t like terrorists in there” 😬
(via IG / briantheinterviewer) pic.twitter.com/lIu3tDiWGa
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 13, 2026
Strickland has criticized Chimaev before. During 2024, he spoke about the champion’s connection to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, saying that Chimaev should not be allowed to enter the United States.
Strickland previously captured the UFC middleweight championship when he defeated Israel Adesanya in September 2023. The result was widely viewed as one of the biggest title surprises in the history of the promotion.
His reign was brief. He later lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis, and a rematch with the South African fighter did not bring the title back.
Now Strickland returns to another championship opportunity, this time against Chimaev.
Fans will now wait to see how the rivalry develops as the fighters move closer to meeting inside the Octagon.
