That’s also kind of lame and g*y

Khamzat Chimaev has drawn criticism from a former UFC heavyweight contender after suggesting that Sean Strickland could be confronted by multiple members of his team outside the cage.

The comments came as tensions continue to rise ahead of their middleweight title fight at UFC 328 on May 9, with both fighters exchanging threats tied to potential real-world encounters. Chimaev previously stated that if his team approached Strickland, the former champion would retreat.

Brendan Schaub dismissed that stance, calling the idea of relying on teammates in a confrontation inconsistent with the expectations placed on a champion. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, he said:

“That’s also kind of lame and g*y, like you’re talking all this s*it, well my buddies are going to jump you, it’s like you’re the man, what do you mean you’re going to jump him. If you mess with one of them, you mess with all of them. They’re super tight-knit. They don’t take kindly to insults. If I thought there were a bunch of guys coming after me, I’d be prepared too. The UFC needs to be on top of it, otherwise we’re not going to get this fight.”

Check out Brendan Schaub’s comments below (40:25):

Strickland has responded separately by warning he would be prepared to defend himself if approached, even threatening to pull out a gun if required. The UFC has since taken precautionary steps, including separating camps and increasing security presence during fight week.

Sean Strickland says UFC restricting interactions with Khamzat Chimaev ahead of title fight

Sean Strickland has stated that the UFC is limiting his interactions with Khamzat Chimaev ahead of their middleweight title fight on May 9.

Strickland indicated he has been warned by officials and suggested he could confront Chimaev directly if he perceives unequal treatment between their camps. Chimaev has largely avoided direct escalation in recent media appearances but responded strongly on social media.

During a recent media scrum following an open workout, Strickland said:

“The @UFC is trying to limit my interactions with the dog. Listen I will say this now. I will not be controlled by a third world dog…. If I find there is unequal treatment between our camps I will walk to the lobby and wait for him.”

He added:

“Control your who*e or don’t. I don’t care. Let the chips fall where they may this is America… The fight week will be me in handcuffs. The fact there is this goat f*cker who shouldn’t even be allowed to be in America making threats. You think I give a flying f*ck about some stupid goat f*cker.”