Jorge Masvidal Blasts Khamzat Chimaev: "You Won't Kill Anyone by Hugging"

Retired UFC star Jorge Masvidal has launched a blistering critique against Khamzat Chimaev, targeting the undefeated fighter's wrestling-heavy style and questioned cardio ahead of his upcoming middleweight title defense against Sean Strickland. Masvidal's strong words, delivered on his "Deathrow MMA" show, came as a direct response to Chimaev's recent boast that he could defeat Masvidal, his co-host Johnny Eblen, and Sean Strickland all in a single night.

Masvidal held nothing back, directly addressing Chimaev: "You're not going to kill anybody by hugging them to death. You better cut out that 'crotch-sniffing' nonsense, especially if you're talking about me. Your legacy will always be defined by sniffing other guys’ crotches." He further advised Chimaev to concentrate on his own fight rather than Masvidal's social media presence, highlighting what he sees as a significant weakness: "Instead of fretting over what I'm discussing or posting, you should be focused on your upcoming bout, because your gas tank is garbage, and Sean is about to put it to the ultimate test."

The "Gamebred" fighter has a well-known history of criticizing wrestlers he perceives as overly defensive grapplers, frequently using the term "crotch-sniffer" for those who prioritize control and positional dominance over striking offense. His application of this label to Chimaev is consistent with his ongoing disapproval of fighters who rely extensively on grappling without inflicting substantial damage.

Masvidal's skepticism isn't limited to Chimaev's technique; he also doubts the champion's capacity to maintain a high pace for five rounds against a relentless opponent like Strickland. Having previously publicly endorsed Strickland, Masvidal expressed strong confidence in the challenger, stating he would "dump the house on Strickland" and doesn't consider Chimaev "all that good."

Khamzat Chimaev is slated to defend his UFC middleweight title against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9, taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Chimaev claimed the belt last August with a decisive unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis, a performance largely characterized by intense wrestling pressure, dominant top control, and consistent ground strikes throughout five rounds.

Strickland, known for his high-volume jab, constant forward pressure, and remarkable durability, earned his title opportunity through a series of key wins following his championship loss. Many observers believe Strickland's fighting style is perfectly suited to expose any potential cardio vulnerabilities Chimaev may possess, pushing him into deep waters during championship rounds if he can consistently remain on his feet or quickly scramble back up.

Masvidal's latest tirade has intensified the narrative surrounding UFC 328: a narrative pitting an undefeated, wrestling-dominant champion whose stamina is frequently debated against a resilient challenger widely expected to drag him into a grueling, five-round war, precisely the kind of fight Masvidal suggests Chimaev cannot handle.