New champion Strickland has memorable encounter with Dana White's right-hand man after UFC 328: 'He pretends to be crazy'

Strickland during training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Right after achieving one of the most important victories of his career by ending the unbeaten streak of Khamzat Shimaev and reclaim the top spot in the middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg) in the main event of UFC 328, Sean Strickland He experienced another very significant moment long after the final bell. Backstage at the event, the new champion had an interesting conversation with Hunter Campbell, the UFC's main matchmaker.

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In the friendly encounter, which took place shortly after Strickland left the octagon and returned to the arena's interior, Hunter spoke about his impressions of the fighter's personality while chatting with him and the new champion's wife.

“You’re actually a good person, but you’re pretending to be a damn lunatic. You have some lunatic tendencies, but let me tell you a story. He came to my office once, and for the first ten minutes I thought it was going to be a bad conversation, but in the end I just thought, ‘He’s one of us,’” the prosecutor said.

"When people tell you that you've been bad your whole life, it's easier to just be bad," replied the new champion.

Hunter Campbell spoke with Sean Strickland after his win:

🗣️ Hunter: “You're actually a good person, but you intend to be a f*cking lunatic.”

🗣️ Sean: “When you're told you're bad your whole life, it's easier to just be bad.”

(via @Ninadrama) pic.twitter.com/F175qr6bdz

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 10, 2026

Sean Strickland apologized to fans after his victory at UFC 328.

Strickland defeated Chimaev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

Both athletes drew attention for their aggressive provocations in the months leading up to the fight. However, the American made a point of putting the animosity behind him by apologizing to the fans and expressing remorse, as well as admitting that he had crossed the line during the war of words with Lobo. He also reaffirmed this statement during the post-event press conference.