Khamzat Chimaev responds after Sean Strickland comments

Khamzat Chimaev’s coach has been clear with his advice ahead of the champion’s first title defence against Sean Strickland: focus on the fight, not the noise.

During a recent media session, Chimaev was asked about Strickland’s threats and whether he was taking them seriously.

While he doubts that the former titleholder is being serious, he doesn’t think this would go well for the controversial American if he does follow through on his comments.

“I don’t think the guy wants a real war outside of the cage. If he wanted [one], he would be dead already… Bro, in New Jersey, it’s [a] Muslim community,” Chimaev said in a video posted by TheMacLife. “It’s my home. So I don’t think so, that he’s going to come out with the guns there. Otherwise, there will be a lot of people in jail because he’s dead.”

The champion also admitted that this particular fight week feels different from previous ones, mostly due to how unpredictable Strickland can be. He said it won’t truly hit him until both are face-to-face during fight week in Newark.

When asked about dealing with Strickland’s trash talk and their pre-fight press conference, Chimaev made it clear that Strickland’s antics don’t bother him at all.

“I don’t know. That’s my work. I love it. I love the UFC, I love Sean Strickland and what he’s talking about. [It’s] Making it a big fight, let him make money, you know… I like his talking. It’s good for me. I don’t need to worry about needing to talk, you know. He’s talking for everyone.”