Tag: Sean Strickland

Dricus Du Plessis Recalls ‘Frustrating’ Sean Strickland Fight: ‘He Said Till Death & Just Walked Backwards’

Dricus Du Plessis recently looked back on the fight that saw him crowned as the UFC middleweight champion earlier this year. Du Plessis is currently gearing up for his first defense of the 185-pound title, which goes down (under) in Perth, Australia, as the UFC 305 pay-per-view main event next month. The South African will […]

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis Recalls ‘Frustrating’ Sean Strickland Fight: ‘He Said Till Death & Just Walked Backwards’ at MMA News.

Dricus Du Plessis recently looked back on the fight that saw him crowned as the UFC middleweight champion earlier this year.

Du Plessis is currently gearing up for his first defense of the 185-pound title, which goes down (under) in Perth, Australia, as the UFC 305 pay-per-view main event next month.

The South African will finally square off with Israel Adesanya close to a year on from their originally planned showdown. After upsetting Robert Whittaker, Du Plessis was expected to challenge “The Last Stylebender” at UFC 293 in Sydney last September.

But their rivalry — a sensitive and historical one born out of Du Plessis’ controversial comments regarding the UFC’s African champs — was put on the back burner after an injury to “Stillknocks.”

In his place, Sean Strickland made the long-haul flight to Australia and capitalized in emphatic fashion, outpointing Adesanya dominantly.

While that served as another delay in Adesanya vs. Du Plessis coming to fruition, the latter brought the matchup back to the surface when he rendered Strickland’s reign a short one at UFC 297 in Toronto this past January.

Du Plessis Describes Fighting ‘Very Tricky’ Strickland

During a recent appearance on the All Talk podcast, Du Plessis reflected on his experience fighting the unique style of Strickland in Canada six months ago.

After noting his former opponent’s shock win over Adesanya, the reigning champ outlined the difficulty that comes with fighting “Tarzan’s” unorthodox approach.

More than handling that, however, Du Plessis said his real agitation came when Strickland failed to deliver on his promise of a ‘fight-to-the-death’ war — a criticism that has since reared its head again after Strickland’s victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302.

“(Strickland’s) a very tricky guy. He’s hard to hit, he has a sneaky jab — not a lot of power, but he hits the target and is really, really hard to catch,” Du Plessis said. “Let me say it this way, it was frustrating (to fight him) because he said, ‘Till death,’ and he just walked backwards the whole time. So that was a little frustrating.

“But I mean, he did catch me with that jab for the first two rounds the whole time,” Du Plessis continued. “To be honest, I felt the jabs and I just thought, ‘I’ll just go through them.’ All of a sudden, I just couldn’t see out of my eye anymore. I realized, ‘I have to start blocking these.’”

Having successfully gotten past Strickland’s style in narrow fashion, Du Plessis is next tasked with replicating his ex-rival’s feat from 2023.

After some heated interactions last year and a tense faceoff at the UFC 305 on-sale press conference last week, Du Plessis and Adesanya will finally throw down inside the cage on August 17 at Perth’s RAC Arena.

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis Recalls ‘Frustrating’ Sean Strickland Fight: ‘He Said Till Death & Just Walked Backwards’ at MMA News.

Sean Strickland calls for UFC to become ‘American’ again: ‘We’re gonna be watching Dagestanis and Brazilians’

Sean Strickland calls for UFC to become American again we're gonna be watching Dagestanis or BraziliansFormer undisputed middleweight champion, Sean Strickland appears to be fearful of the United State’s presence in the sport of…

Sean Strickland calls for UFC to become American again we're gonna be watching Dagestanis or Brazilians

Former undisputed middleweight champion, Sean Strickland appears to be fearful of the United State’s presence in the sport of mixed martial arts and the UFC as a whole – claiming a host of talented fighters are likely to be replaced by the dominance of Dagestani contenders and Brazilian stars.

Strickland, a former undisputed titleholder at 185lbs, returned to winning ways at UFC 302 back in May, landing a split decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa. 

Sean Strickland again rips criminal fighter pay in the UFC the pay is utter garbage
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

The victory came as Strickland’s first since he dropped his middleweight crown against incumbent gold holder, Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297, with the latter now slated to meet soon-to-be common-foe, Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 next month in a heated grudge match. 

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs over fighter pay ahead of UFC 302 they don't do the right things

And hoping to sit on his spot in the rankings as he eyes a title rematch with either du Plessis or Adesanya, Strickland openly turned down a definitive title-eliminator against former champion, Robert Whittaker.

Sean Strickland unhappy with UFC stare of affairs

Sharing his thoughts on the future of the sport – and particularly in the emerging talent, outspoken contender, Strickland claimed American nationals in the UFC are at risk of being replaced by their Dagestani, Russian, and Brazilian counterparts.

Sean Strickland's coach claims live betting may have affected corner advice in UFC 297 title loss
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“At one point, there’s gonna be no f*cking Americans left in the UFC,” Sean Strickland told MMA Mania. “We’re all gonna be watching Dagestanis, and Russians, Brazilians fighting. No one’s gonna give a f*ck. So, that’s what I think about that, you know. Let’s the make the UFC American again. 

Winning the undisputed middleweight crown back in September of last year as a massive underdog, Strickland landed a one-sided shutout decision win over the above-mentioned, Adesanya to mint himself as the undisputed gold holder. 

Who do you want to see Sean Strickland fight in his UFC return?

Dricus Du Plessis Matchmakes For Sean Strickland, Shuts Down Desire To Wait For Title Shot: ‘You Can Main Event That Fight On Any Card…’

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is locked in to prepare for his first title defense, which will come at UFC 305 against Israel Adesanya. Without looking past the former champion, Du Plessis is still keeping an eye on who else could challenge him for the title in the near future, with it likely coming […]

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis Matchmakes For Sean Strickland, Shuts Down Desire To Wait For Title Shot: ‘You Can Main Event That Fight On Any Card…’ at MMA News.

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is locked in to prepare for his first title defense, which will come at UFC 305 against Israel Adesanya.

Without looking past the former champion, Du Plessis is still keeping an eye on who else could challenge him for the title in the near future, with it likely coming down to two potential opponents.

Both Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker have held the title in the past and they’ve rebounded in recent fights from losses to the current champion.

After Whittaker stopped Ikram Aliskerov, who was a late-notice replacement for Khamzat Chimaev, and Strickland convincingly defeated Paulo Costa, a fight between them makes a lot of sense to the champion.

Dricus Du Plessis Says Sean Strickland vs. Robert Whittaker Should & Will Happen Next

In an interview with Submission Radio following the first press conference for UFC 305, Du Plessis spoke about what he thinks should be next for the middleweight division.

Strickland has made it very clear that after believing he beat Du Plessis in January and then getting the win over Costa at UFC 302, he wants to sit out in order to wait for his second shot at the title.

The champion believes that with Strickland and Whittaker both having claims to be the next in line, a number one contender’s match-up should and will take place in the near future.

“Stillknocks” spoke about this option and why he wants to see his two former opponents meet for the first time inside the Octagon.

“In my opinion, how I see this playing out, you cannot not do the Whittaker versus Strickland fight. I think that’s the fight that needs to happen. Now I know Strickland when we’re at the presser said Whittaker is nothing but a blitz and it’s an easy fight and now he doesn’t want to take that fight. Let me tell you one thing, Robert Whittaker is no easy fight for anybody. Strickland, also an incredible fighter, and that is just a fight that makes so much sense. That’s a fight on it’s own, you can main event that fight on any card and I honestly think that’s how it’s gonna play out.”

Read also: ‘This Guy Is Such A Trash Person’ – MMA Fans Annoyed After Sean Strickland Puts A Beating On Navy Seal In Sparring

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis Matchmakes For Sean Strickland, Shuts Down Desire To Wait For Title Shot: ‘You Can Main Event That Fight On Any Card…’ at MMA News.

‘This Guy Is Such A Trash Person’ – MMA Fans Annoyed After Sean Strickland Puts A Beating On Navy Seal In Sparring

It’s another day in the world of MMA and that means another controversial sparring video from the former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland. Strickland is best defined by his lack of any filter and his love of sparring which, in turn, is why he has been so successful at 185 pounds. However, despite being one […]

Continue Reading ‘This Guy Is Such A Trash Person’ – MMA Fans Annoyed After Sean Strickland Puts A Beating On Navy Seal In Sparring at MMA News.

It’s another day in the world of MMA and that means another controversial sparring video from the former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland.

Strickland is best defined by his lack of any filter and his love of sparring which, in turn, is why he has been so successful at 185 pounds.

However, despite being one of the best middleweights in the world, he rarely holds safety in the training room as a priority.

The latest video of Strickland getting some work in sees him fighting a former Navy Seal and the term ‘fighting’ is used incredibly loosely here.

In a short clip, he appears to wear down his sparring partner early on and from that point on, continues to toy with him and hit him repeatedly, as his opponent stands still against the cage.

With blood coming from his nose, the trained soldier who clearly has no right being in there with Strickland, repeatedly falls to the floor only for the former middleweight champ to tell him to get back up to his feet again.

MMA Fans React To Sean Strickland Putting A Beating On A Navy Seal

MMA fans reacted on social media to the latest video of Strickland beating someone up for seemingly his own enjoyment.

Of course, the sparring partner would have surely known what he was in for given the reputation of the man that he would be standing across the cage from.

Strickland posted on social media before the video was published online where he said that despite his dislike of Navy Seals, the guy earned his respect.

“This guy is such a trash person”

“Strickland when they fight back”

“Sean good at dominating non pros lol”

“It’s almost like they are completely different skill sets.”

“Other guy was barely fighting back. Why doesn’t Sean do this to professional fighters??”

“What’s the point of this ?”

“How did bro do worse than Sneako?”

“why would anyone actually think they could do this?”

Read also: VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Longtime Rival Alex Pereira’s Knockout Of Ji?í Procházka At UFC 303

Continue Reading ‘This Guy Is Such A Trash Person’ – MMA Fans Annoyed After Sean Strickland Puts A Beating On Navy Seal In Sparring at MMA News.

Video – UFC star Sean Strickland puts beating on former Navy SEAL in sparring session

Sean Strickland puts brutal beating on former Navy SEAL in rough sparring sessionFormer UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland sparred a former Navy SEAL at the gym and put a beating on…

Sean Strickland puts brutal beating on former Navy SEAL in rough sparring session

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland sparred a former Navy SEAL at the gym and put a beating on him.

Strickland has been known for his intense sparring and went viral for the beatdown he put on streamer Sneako. Now, he decided to spar with a former Navy SEAL and he put a beating on him.

The Navy SEAL did not wear headgear and was getting beat up by Strickland as he was landing heavy shots to the Navy SEAL’s head who was turtling up against the fence.

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs over fighter pay ahead of UFC 302 they don't do the right things

After the video went viral, Sean Strickland took to social media to open up on his sparring session with the Navy SEAL.

“So you guys it finally happened… I sparred a navy seal But I got to know him after the blood and he’s such a great guy. Everything I hate about special forces guys he’s not.. You’re on of the real ones.. dammit man that wasn’t meant for you. Lol!!!!!!,” Strickland wrote on X.

Sean Strickland settles fighter pay issue with UFC execs agrees to clash with Paulo Costa in June
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Sean Strickland Holding Out For Title Shot

Sean Strickland is coming off a decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 back in June to cement himself as the No. 1 contender at middleweight.

Before the win over Costa, Strickland lost a controversial decision to Dricus Du Plessis to lose his middleweight title and because of that, he says he will be holding out for the title shot.

“Whittaker’s not next in line,” Strickland told James Lynch. “He fought a f*cking guy on a two-day notice. An unranked Dagi. He’s not next in line. I’m next in line. Whoever f*cking wins [the title fight], they’re f*cking fighting me. I beat Dricus, the world knows I’m next in line. The world knows it should be me f*cking fighting, but I’ll wait. I’m next in line. We’re bringing the belt back to Vegas.”

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Strickland is 29-6 as a pro and before the loss to Du Plessis, he beat Israel Adesanya to become the middleweight champion in one of the biggest upsets ever.

Video – UFC star Sean Strickland puts beating on former Navy SEAL in sparring session

Sean Strickland puts brutal beating on former Navy SEAL in rough sparring sessionFormer UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland sparred a former Navy SEAL at the gym and put a beating on…

Sean Strickland puts brutal beating on former Navy SEAL in rough sparring session

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland sparred a former Navy SEAL at the gym and put a beating on him.

Strickland has been known for his intense sparring and went viral for the beatdown he put on streamer Sneako. Now, he decided to spar with a former Navy SEAL and he put a beating on him.

The Navy SEAL did not wear headgear and was getting beat up by Strickland as he was landing heavy shots to the Navy SEAL’s head who was turtling up against the fence.

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs over fighter pay ahead of UFC 302 they don't do the right things

After the video went viral, Sean Strickland took to social media to open up on his sparring session with the Navy SEAL.

“So you guys it finally happened… I sparred a navy seal But I got to know him after the blood and he’s such a great guy. Everything I hate about special forces guys he’s not.. You’re on of the real ones.. dammit man that wasn’t meant for you. Lol!!!!!!,” Strickland wrote on X.

Sean Strickland settles fighter pay issue with UFC execs agrees to clash with Paulo Costa in June
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Sean Strickland Holding Out For Title Shot

Sean Strickland is coming off a decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 back in June to cement himself as the No. 1 contender at middleweight.

Before the win over Costa, Strickland lost a controversial decision to Dricus Du Plessis to lose his middleweight title and because of that, he says he will be holding out for the title shot.

“Whittaker’s not next in line,” Strickland told James Lynch. “He fought a f*cking guy on a two-day notice. An unranked Dagi. He’s not next in line. I’m next in line. Whoever f*cking wins [the title fight], they’re f*cking fighting me. I beat Dricus, the world knows I’m next in line. The world knows it should be me f*cking fighting, but I’ll wait. I’m next in line. We’re bringing the belt back to Vegas.”

gettyimages 2155672482 612x612 1 1

Strickland is 29-6 as a pro and before the loss to Du Plessis, he beat Israel Adesanya to become the middleweight champion in one of the biggest upsets ever.