UFC 328 staredowns at risk of being canceled after Khamzat-Strickland death threats
MMA Mania • • sports
Key Points:
- UFC fighters Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland have exchanged death threats ahead of their title fight on May 9, 2026, leading to concerns about potential faceoffs during fight week.
- Former UFC champion Dominick Cruz suggested the promotion may cancel staredowns to avoid violent incidents similar to the 2014 UFC 178 media day brawl between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.
- UFC has a history of banning physical contact during staredowns after past dangerous altercations, and increased security measures are expected to prevent further escalation.
- Cruz believes the intense trash talk is part of fight week pressure and image-building, reflecting the fighters' efforts to appear tougher rather than genuine intent to harm.
- Despite the heated exchanges, Cruz acknowledges the real nerves and high stakes involved, indicating the psychological intensity of the upcoming title fight.
