Jorge Masvidal has launched a fierce verbal attack on Khamzat Chimaev, ahead of the undefeated champion’s anticipated middleweight title defense against Sean Strickland. Masvidal criticized Chimaev’s fighting style and cardio in a heated rant that quickly gained traction across MMA social media.
Masvidal’s remarks emerged from a segment on his “Deathrow MMA” show. The retired UFC veteran was reacting to Chimaev’s previous aggressive comments directed at Masvidal, his co-host, and Sean Strickland. During the show, Masvidal learned that Chimaev had boasted he could defeat Masvidal, his podcast partner Johnny Eblen, and Strickland all on the same night, which prompted his strong response.
“The funny thing about that is that you ain’t gonna kill nobody by hugging anybody to death. You better stop with that crotch-sniffing shit, especially if you’re talking to me, brother. Your legacy is always going to be known for sniffing other dudes’ crotches.
“Every time you had a chance to prove somebody wrong, all you do is sniff crotches. And instead of worrying about what I’m talking and posting about, you should be worrying about your fight, because your gas tank is trash, and Sean’s about to test your gas tank.”
In the widely circulated clip, Masvidal mocked the notion that Chimaev’s wrestling-first approach is as dangerous as the champion often portrays it. He asserted that Chimaev “is not going to kill anybody by hugging them to death” and advised him to “stop with that crotch-sniffing” if he intends to continue speaking about him. These comments align with a consistent theme in Masvidal’s public persona, where he frequently criticizes wrestlers he believes prioritize control over significant offense. Years prior to this latest outburst, Masvidal had applied the “crotch sniffer” label to other fighters he perceived as safety-first grapplers, indicating this language is a recurring part of his commentary rather than a unique insult aimed solely at Chimaev. By associating Chimaev with this term, Masvidal positions the Chechen-born champion alongside a group of wrestlers he has previously challenged during his UFC career.
Masvidal’s criticism extended beyond style, also questioning Chimaev’s ability to maintain pace over five rounds against Strickland. He warned Chimaev that instead of focusing on Masvidal’s online activity or podcast, the champion should “be worrying about your fight, because your gas tank is trash, and Sean’s about to test your gas tank.” Earlier that month, Masvidal had already expressed his support for Strickland, stating on “Deathrow MMA” that he would “dump the house on Strickland” and doubted Chimaev’s overall skill.
Chimaev is scheduled to defend his UFC middleweight title against former champion Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed this matchup in early March as part of an upcoming event lineup, solidifying Strickland as Chimaev’s inaugural challenger at 185 pounds. Chimaev secured the belt last August with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis, a performance characterized by relentless wrestling pressure, superior top control, and consistent ground damage across five rounds.
Strickland, himself a former middleweight champion, earned his title shot by remaining active after losing his belt and securing crucial wins, including a recent victory over Anthony Hernandez. Known for his high-volume jab, constant forward pressure, and remarkable durability, Strickland is expected to thoroughly test Chimaev’s conditioning and composure over championship rounds, especially if he can avoid takedowns or consistently return to his feet.
Whether Chimaev will directly respond to Masvidal’s latest tirade remains uncertain. However, the viral clip has undoubtedly intensified the narrative leading into UFC 328: highlighting an undefeated champion with a wrestling-heavy approach and unresolved cardio concerns, facing a challenger widely considered capable of drawing him into the exact type of grueling fight Masvidal claims he cannot endure.