Khamzat Chimaev released a sparring video on May 6, 2026 [1], accusing Sean Strickland of bullying ahead of their UFC 328 bout.

The release escalates the personal tension between the two fighters, turning a professional athletic contest into a public dispute over conduct and respect.

Chimaev posted the footage to highlight what he perceives as bullying behavior by Strickland [2]. The move comes as the fighters prepare for the UFC 328 pre-fight press conference, a traditional venue for psychological warfare and promotion. The video appears to be intended as a direct challenge to Strickland's public persona and his interactions within the gym environment [3].

Strickland and Chimaev have a history of bad blood that extends beyond their current fight camp [2]. The use of leaked sparring footage is a rare escalation in the lead-up to a fight, as gym sessions are typically kept private to protect strategic secrets. By making the footage public, Chimaev is shifting the narrative from a tactical battle to a moral one, positioning himself as the victim of Strickland's aggression [2].

Reports indicate the footage has already sparked a polarized reaction among fans and analysts [3]. Some viewers see the video as evidence of Strickland's volatility, while others view Chimaev's decision to leak private gym footage as a tactical error that could backfire [3].

Both fighters are scheduled to face one another at UFC 328. The promotion of the event has been characterized by this ongoing feud, which has now moved from verbal jabs on social media to the release of visual evidence from behind closed doors [2].

“Khamzat Chimaev released a sparring video accusing Sean Strickland of bullying.”

The release of private sparring footage represents a breach of traditional gym etiquette in mixed martial arts, where 'gym secrets' are typically guarded. By weaponizing this footage, Chimaev is attempting to damage Strickland's reputation and mental state before the fight. This strategy risks alienating other training partners who may fear their own footage could be leaked, potentially complicating Chimaev's future camp options.