Summary
Strickland promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
The popular Sean Strickland starred in a surprising episode at UFC Houston. At the event held last Saturday (21), the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) shone in the main fight by knocking out Anthony Hernandez in the third round, but it didn't stop there. If on 'media day', the American shocked by attacking everything and everyone in a heavy way, he did the same at the post-show press conference and ended up being interrupted.
The UFC simply muted Strickland's microphone, ending his interview prematurely. It's worth noting that this occurred after the bad boy accused Jim West, his opponent's coach, of being a sexual predator and expressed his hatred for him. Furthermore, this wasn't the first time the former champion had made such an accusation against the professional.
See too
Upon noticing the cutoff and discovering that the press conference had been abruptly ended, Strickland appeared surprised, but continued speaking to the press, even with the microphone off, gesturing wildly and, irritated, even punching the table. To date, the UFC and Paramount have not commented on the incident.
“I don’t give a damn about being booed. It’s even funny. Usually, when I go into a fight, I’m focused. I look at the guy and think, ‘I’m going to destroy you!’ You need a little bit of hate when you fight. You can’t just go in there. You have to have hate, at least a little. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I notice Jim West. That son of a bitch was looking at me, and I look at him too. I was looking at Jim West and I thought, ‘There’s not the slightest chance of letting this predator get away with the victory,’” said the bad boy.
“My motivation was thinking about Jim West. I hate that guy! You know what’s crazy? I love Fluffy. He’s a good guy. Is there anyone around 35 years old here? Imagine being 35 and meeting a sweet 14-year-old girl named Aspen Ladd , and saying, ‘I’m going to marry her when she turns 18?’ That’s exactly what that damn Jim West did.”
"So, when I was in the octagon, I looked at Jim West and thought, 'Screw this guy! I'm not going to let this son of a bitch win.' I wasn't fighting Fluffy. I was fighting Jim West. I swear to God!" he concluded.
Chaotic 'Media Day'
Following the incident, the MMA community speculated that Sean Strickland may have displeased the UFC and Paramount executives not only because of his attack on Jim West, but also because of his bold stance at the event's 'media day'. There, the former champion made harsh comments about Gina Carano, Ronda Rousey , women's MMA, the role of women in society, and also didn't spare singer Bad Bunny, the NFL, and the LGBTQIAPN+ community. This attitude caused unease and drew harsh criticism.
Strickland fighters in MMA
Sean Strickland , 34, is an elite athlete and former UFC middleweight champion. The American began his MMA career in 2008, debuted in the company in 2014, and won the belt in 2023. Currently, the "bad boy" is ranked third in the division. In the sport, "Tarzan" has built a record of 30 wins and seven losses. His main victories were over Anthony Hernandez , Brendan Allen , Israel Adesanya , Nassourdine Imavov , Paulo Borrachinha , and Uriah Hall.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.