Khamzat Chimaev does not actually like what Sean Strickland stated within the lead as much as their combat at UFC 328, however he appreciates how each phrase appears so as to add zero to his checking account.
The disdain between the middleweights is well-known, and Strickland used practically each derogatory phrase within the dictionary to assault Chimaev. Chimaev, alternatively, has remained largely calm, calm and picked up, at the same time as he guarantees to settle the combat as soon as they meet within the Octagon on Saturday evening.
However regardless of the unhealthy blood between the 2, Chimaev stated Strickland’s pleasure for the combat undoubtedly helped financially.
“I like him,” Chimaev advised reporters reminiscent of MMA Preventing throughout Tuesday’s scrum. “I do not know in the event that they pay him wage. That is the necessary factor. I’ve by no means made that a lot cash earlier than, which is nice.”
The UFC took excessive measures to separate Chimaev and Strickland earlier than forcing contact later this week on the customary Thursday pre-fight press convention and Friday’s weigh-in.
The promotion additionally employed further safety to ensure nothing occurred earlier than Chimaev and Strickland really stepped into the Octagon collectively on Saturday.
Chimaev admits he is been searching for Strickland ever since he got here to New Jersey, however the UFC has achieved job of preserving them away from one another.
“Let him come,” Chimaev stated. “I believe they took him to another lodge, so perhaps that is what they assume. I attempted to search out the man, but it surely wasn’t that non-public. The man simply talks an excessive amount of.”
“I believe it is unlikely that (an interplay) will occur as a result of they will not let me meet this man.”
Chimaev additionally cited Strickland’s earlier threats, saying the previous middleweight champion stated he would take a gun with him if he was jumped through the combat and that he would fireplace if mandatory.
Whereas that is unlikely to occur, Chimaev is not frightened about Strickland making an attempt lethal violence towards him or his group earlier than Saturday’s UFC 328.
“The place is he? I used to be right here within the foyer for 3 days and the person stated he was going to shoot me,” Chimaev stated. “Let’s go. Let’s do this. I am prepared to die.”
“You assume I care what he says? When it is my time to die, I will be glad. I’ve heard issues like that each one my life. I do not care about shit like that.”
Given the strain and trash speak between the 2, it is unlikely Chimaev and Strickland will bury the hatchet, irrespective of the result of the combat.
That is why Chimaev might solely scoff when requested if he was going to drop every little thing and truly shake Strickland’s hand as soon as the combat was over.
Reality be advised, Chimaev is not significantly involved about whether or not he maintains good relationships with previous opponents, and the identical goes for Strickland, who he finally clashed with on Saturday.
“What is the level if we shake fingers after the sport or not?” Chimaev stated. “I hit him. I will most likely by no means see him once more. I virtually by no means noticed the opposite 15 individuals I hit once more. I do not care about his life. I care about my life.”
