UFC recruits additional security for Chimaev-Strickland title clash in Newark
The UFC has deployed extra security to manage tensions before the main event, while a historic flyweight title bout headlines the co-feature.
The UFC is preparing for a high-stakes environment in Newark, New Jersey, as it recruits additional security personnel to manage the significant rivalry between middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and challenger Sean Strickland. The organisation has acknowledged that the bad blood between the two fighters is substantial enough to warrant these extra measures to keep the peace before the main event.
Both competitors have engaged in a public exchange of insults leading up to the bout, with Chimaev and Strickland having previously trained together and claiming to have outperformed one another in closed-door sessions. Despite the noise, the UFC remains focused on the institutional requirement to ensure safety and order for the scheduled Saturday night event in New Jersey.
Chimaev enters the main event with a record of dominance that the sport has rarely seen, having posted a combined significant strike tally of 148-1 across his first four UFC fights. He has successfully defended his position by defeating champions in his last three appearances, including a notable victory over Robert Whittaker and a dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis. This Saturday marks his first official title defence.
Strickland, conversely, has established a reputation for securing upsets, most notably knocking down and defeating Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title. He recently added to his list of victories by cashing as an underdog against Anthony Hernandez, positioning himself as a credible threat despite the odds.
The co-main event presents a different narrative, featuring a men's flyweight title fight between champion Joshua Van and rising contender Tatsuro Taira. Van, who became the second-youngest champion in promotional history last year via a TKO of Alexandre Pantoja, seeks to prove his victory was not an anomaly. A win for Taira would see him become the first UFC champion from Japan.
The complete fight card also includes preliminary bouts featuring Alexander Volkov against Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Sean Brady facing Joaquin Buckley, and King Green versus Jeremy Stephens. The event is available for viewing on Paramount+ for subscribers, with no additional fee required to access the numbered event.
