Sean Strickland at the entrance to the UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India
A controversy involving Sean Strickland at a regional event in the United States gained a new chapter. Last Wednesday (23), the Nevada Athletic Commission decided to extend the temporary suspension applied to the former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), after the fighter invaded the cage and attacked Luis Hernandez, during Tuff-N-Uff 145, held on June 29, in Las Vegas.
Strickland was acting as cornerman for athlete Miles Hunsinger, who ended up being submitted by Hernandez with a guillotine choke in the second round. After the victory, the winner provoked his opponent's team with shouts and obscene gestures. Irritated, Strickland, accompanied by the fellow UFC athlete, Chris Curtis, invaded the cage, pushed Hernandez against the fence and even threw a few punches before being restrained by the officials.
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Provisionally suspended since July 3, the American will now have to wait until August to learn his final punishment, which could include a fine and a longer suspension. Until then, he remains barred from competing or acting as a cornerman at any NSAC-regulated event. The sanction also limits the UFC's ability to schedule his return to the Octagon. Strickland hasn't fought since his decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis, in February, in UFC 312, in a rematch for the belt.
Fighter assaulted by Sean Strickland did not press charges
Despite the confusion, Luis Hernandez adopted a conciliatory tone after the incident. The fighter stated that he does not intend to press charges and that he holds no grudges against those involved.
"They asked me if I wanted to press charges, and I said, 'What? No.' I would never wish them any harm. I like the guys. I have nothing against Sean, Chris, or Xtreme Couture," the athlete assured.
The next meeting of the Commission, which could seal the fate of the former champion, does not yet have a confirmed date.
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