Why did Sean Strickland call Khamzat Chimaev a terrorist before UFC 328?

Ahead of their title clash at UFC 328, Sean Strickland has sparked controversy by labeling champion Khamzat Chimaev a “terrorist” in a series of social media posts.

The remarks came just days after the UFC confirmed Strickland would challenge Chimaev for the middleweight title on May 9. In one post, Strickland referenced the UFC’s planned White House event and wrote that he and Chimaev would not be fighting there because “they don’t like terrorists there.”

The jab appeared to target Chimaev’s past association with Ramzan Kadyrov, the controversial Chechen ruler who has drawn international scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses. Chimaev’s appearances alongside Kadyrov have long attracted attention, and Strickland has now turned that political baggage into pre-fight ammunition.

The timing of the attacks has added another layer of drama to a matchup that was already under debate. Strickland landed the title shot after defeating Anthony Hernandez earlier this year, even though many expected higher-ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov to get the next crack at the belt.

A former middleweight champion, Strickland is known for pushing boundaries outside the cage as much as inside it. His latest comments suggest he is trying to get under Chimaev’s skin well before they step into the Octagon.

So far, Chimaev has not publicly responded. But with the fight drawing closer, the war of words may already be underway.