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Tsarukyan sends message to Strickland as he negotiates $50k bet with Adin Ross for Chimaev bout

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 1:24 PM ET

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev are set to collide at UFC 328 on 9 May, in the most anticipated middleweight bout of the year so far. The build-up has already delivered several tense exchanges.

Chimaev enters the contest with strong backing from close friend Arman Tsarukyan. The lightweight contender has been vocal in his support, adding another layer to the rivalry.

That dynamic played out live on Adin Ross’ stream on Saturday, where Tsarukyan and Strickland had a quick phone chat.

Arman Tsarukyan tells Sean Strickland he hopes he ‘won’t feel good’ before Khamzat Chimaev fight

Tsarukyan made his stance clear while negotiating a wager with Ross. The Armenian fighter pushed for a $1 million bet, reflecting his confidence in the middleweight champion’s chances.

“Sean, listen, if you believe in somebody, if you’re friends with somebody, all the money you have, you gotta put it on your guy, even if he’s weak, right?” the 29-year-old questioned.

After Strickland agreed, ‘Ahalkalakets’ revealed his ambitions for the bet.

“I’m trying to get 1 million from him,” he added, referring to Ross.

Adin Ross just called Sean Strickland on stream and told him he has a $50K bet with Arman Tsarukyan on him beating Khamzat Chimaev

️ Strickland: "Listen motherf*cker, I know I'm gonna win. I beat this goat f*cker in training, I'll do it in a fight."

️ Arman: "Sean… I'm… pic.twitter.com/oX4VFLiGI5
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 4, 2026

The discussion eventually settled on a smaller figure. “Okay, 50k. Okay. I hope you’re not gonna feel good that day,” Tsarukyan concluded.

Sean Strickland enters bout as underdog despite training claims

Strickland has previously claimed he got the better of Chimaev during training sessions. However, those assertions have not shifted the perception surrounding the fight.

‘Borz’ remains undefeated and is widely viewed as the favourite. His dominant run has positioned him as one of the most dangerous fighters in the promotion.

That context leaves Strickland with a point to prove.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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