Ahead of UFC 328, tensions between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev have escalated significantly. Strickland's recent threat to use a firearm on Chimaev and his team if they attempted to confront him during fight week drew a sharp response from Chimaev. In a media interview, Chimaev stated, "I don’t think the guy wants a real war outside the cage," emphasizing his roots in New Jersey and suggesting that Strickland would face severe consequences for his threats. Strickland, unfazed by Chimaev's comments, labeled him a coward and criticized his understanding of American values. The two fighters have previously trained together, with Chimaev asserting that he dominated Strickland during their sparring sessions. As the fight approaches, their war of words continues to heighten the anticipation for their matchup.