Tag: Sean Strickland

Strickland: Steroid-User Adesanya Will Starch Whittaker At UFC 271

UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland has given his prediction for the upcoming UFC 271 main event between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. In 2019, Adesanya reached the 185-pound mountaintop by knocking out Whittaker at UFC 243 in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, “The Last Stylebender” has remained undefeated in the division and beaten away the challenges […]

Continue Reading Strickland: Steroid-User Adesanya Will Starch Whittaker At UFC 271 at MMA News.

UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland has given his prediction for the upcoming UFC 271 main event between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.

In 2019, Adesanya reached the 185-pound mountaintop by knocking out Whittaker at UFC 243 in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, “The Last Stylebender” has remained undefeated in the division and beaten away the challenges of Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori.

Adesanya’s ongoing dominance has taken him full circle to “The Reaper.” Since losing his title, Whittaker has been in the form of life. Across 18 rounds of action, he put his fluent striking on full display in headlining wins Against Darren Till and Kelvin Gastelum, and a pay-per-view co-main event victory over Jared Cannonier.

The stage is now set for a blockbuster rematch, which will go down inside Houston’s Toyota Center on February 12.

Strickland: We All Know Adesanya Does Steroids

Despite the convincing ending to their first fight, many are expecting a rejuvenated Whittaker to provide a much stiffer test for Adesanya this time around. One man who disagrees with that sentiment is top-10 middleweight Strickland, who expects the champion to “starch” the New Zealand-born Australian.

But while the charismatic and controversial contender’s prediction is partly due to Adesanya’s undeniable talent inside the Octagon, “Tarzan” also believes the Nigerian-New Zealander gets a helping hand from steroids, an accusation he’s made in the past.

“I mean, Israel’s just a crafty motherfucker,” Strickland told combat sports journalist Helen Yee. “Like, don’t get me wrong, we all know he does steroids, and that probably helps his performance. We all seen him fight with the titty that hung down. I mean, have you ever seen a man fight int he UFC with gyno from weed? I mean, look at Nate Diaz; if that as the case, Nate Diaz would have tits down too is knees. Get out of here with this.

“So, anyways, back to him and Whittaker. Izzy is a great striker; he comes from a steroid background of kickboxing,” added Strickland. “I think he’s gonna starch Whittaker, cause he is a great fighter.”

Discussion surrounding potential steroid usage is nothing new for Adesanya. At UFC 253, the event at which he dismantled then-unbeaten Brazilian Costa, “The Last Stylebender” sported a visibly swollen pectoral muscle.

The medical term for swelling in male breast tissue is Gynecomastia. The condition can be can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including drugs and alcohol, some medications, and even herbal products. One of the more well-known triggers is the use of anabolic steroids, an accusation many directed at Adesanya following the September 2020 pay-per-view.

Months after the event, Adesanya revealed he’d undergone medical tests to determine the cause. With no visible answer, the reigning middleweight king said UFC doctors told him unhealthy living and, in particular, smoking marijuana were likely the reasons for the swelling.

That answer is clearly not a convincing one for Sean Strickland…

Morning Report: Israel Adesanya gives update on his swollen pectoral muscle, theorizes marijuana was the cause - MMA Fighting
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Despite having the first defeat of his professional MMA career added to his record last March thanks to a failed venture to light heavyweight, Adesanya has continued to look unthreatened at 185 pounds.

But with a revitalized and focused Whittaker steaming towards him, “The Last Stylebender” could be set for his biggest challenge to date next weekend.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 271, Israel Adesanya or Robert Whittaker?

Continue Reading Strickland: Steroid-User Adesanya Will Starch Whittaker At UFC 271 at MMA News.

VIDEO | Sean Strickland Gives Fans MTV Cribs Style Tour Of His Home

Sean StricklandSean Strickland has made his mark within the MMA community for his outlandish behaviour and unique personality. In his latest episode, Strickland gave his followers a glimpse of his home. Sean Strickland’s House Tour UFC middleweight Sean Strickland’s aim of dethroning Israel Adesanya edges closer. Since returning to competition in 2020, Strickland has been on […]

Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland has made his mark within the MMA community for his outlandish behaviour and unique personality. In his latest episode, Strickland gave his followers a glimpse of his home.

Sean Strickland’s House Tour

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland’s aim of dethroning Israel Adesanya edges closer. Since returning to competition in 2020, Strickland has been on a tear, winning four fights back-to-back, but potentially his biggest challenge to date is on the horizon. Strickland is scheduled to meet number six-ranked Jack Hermansson on Feb. 5.

Sean Strickland has already been taking shots at middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, and in an interview with MMA Junkie, he didn’t hold back.

Sean Strickland Takes Shots at Israel Adesanya

“At least a title shot (by the end of the year),” Strickland said. “I’m one of the hardest training fighters in the UFC and I’ll do everything I can to get to a title shot, and if it happens, let’s f*cking go, Izzy. I’m f*cking ready. Make sure to cycle off, though. I don’t want to f*cking bring you a bra if you don’t hit the right cycle.

“Izzy’s a great fighter – he comes from kickboxing – have you ever seen a fighter with gyno for any other reason than that?” Strickland said. “Besides him, have you ever seen a fighter in the UFC that smokes weed that gets gyno? Ever? You can’t, because it doesn’t f*cking happen unless you cycle wrong. That’s a fact. We all know it. But regardless of the fact, Izzy’s a f*cking great fighter. We know that. That’s the fight I want.

“Izzy, I’ll come over dude. We can f*cking watch anime and you can put some f*cking testosterone in my ass. I’ll do it with you. Let’s f*cking go. With a needle I think you guys do the stomach, right? Is that where you guys do, the stomach? You’re the expert on f*cking steroids. How’s it done?”

If Sean Strickland can make a statement in his upcoming matchup with Jack Hermansson, a fight with Adesanya doesn’t sound a million miles away. Off-course we need to wait for the dust to settle in the rematch between Adesanya and Whittaker, which takes place on Feb 12.

If Sean Strickland is victorious on Feb. 5, how long until we see him challenge for the title?

Hermansson’s Strickland Game Plan: Hit Him & Make It A Quick Night

UFC middleweight contender Jack Hermansson is hoping to avoid a long night at UFC Vegas 47 by finishing Sean Strickland inside the opening two rounds.

For the third time in as many bouts, Hermansson will be fighting down the rankings on February 5….

Jack Hermansson, Sean Strickland

UFC middleweight contender Jack Hermansson is hoping to avoid a long night at UFC Vegas 47 by finishing Sean Strickland inside the opening two rounds.

For the third time in as many bouts, Hermansson will be fighting down the rankings on February 5. After a memorable first-round submission win against Kelvin Gastelum shot him into title contention in 2020, a main event loss to then-rising contender Marvin Vettori stalled his championship aspirations.

Having rebounded by adding another defeat to the record of Edmen Shahbazyan last year, “The Joker” is hoping to halt the charge of Strickland in what will be the 33-year-old’s fourth headlining bout in MMA’s premier promotion.

Ahead of his return to the Octagon, Hermansson spoke to MMA News about the threat “Tarzan” poses, his experience wrestling Khamzat Chimaev in 2021, Francis Ngannou’s ongoing contractual dispute with the UFC, and his thoughts on the upcoming 185-pound title fight between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.

Hermansson Looks To Avoid “Grueling” Fight

In Hermansson’s way of staking a claim for a championship opportunity is Strickland, a unique, and perhaps downright bizarre, individual. But whether fans love his carefree attitude or look down at his outspoken personality, no one can deny his fighting ability.

Since returning from the Octagon in 2020 after two years on the sidelines, “Tarzan” has been at his best. After getting back on track with wins against Nordine Taleb and Jack Marshman, the 30-year-old recorded victories over highly-touted prospect Brendan Allen and middleweight mainstay Krzysztof Jotko.

With a fifth straight win last July, a dominant main event triumph over divisional veteran Uriah Hall, Strickland has established himself as a genuine contender at 185 pounds.

With his opponent’s form and durability in mind, Hermansson is hoping to end things quick come fight night. The Swedish-born Norwegian told MMA News he’s targeting a first or second-round finish when he goes toe-to-toe with Strickland inside Las Vegas’ Apex facility.

To do so, the game plan is simple: hit him.

“You know, I don’t want a hard, tough, long, grueling fight with Sean, even though I know that’s a possibility,” Hermansson told James Lynch. “I want a quick, nice finish and that’s how I envision the fight (going). So, I’m gonna go in there, I’m gonna be precise, and I’m gonna hit him and make it a quick night. First or second-round finish.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZH1SWBvdk2/

If Hermansson is to ascend closer to a date with the champion, he’ll have to join an exclusive club that currently boasts only reigning welterweight king Kamaru Usman, 28-5 UFC vet Santiago Ponzinibbio, and knockout machine Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

That club? The group of fighters who have managed to have their hand raised against “Tarzan.”

Given only three have managed it in Strickland’s 27 professional fights, Hermansson will certainly have to be at his best to get the job done on Saturday night.

Who do you think will have their hand raised in the UFC Vegas 47 main event, Jack Hermansson or Sean Strickland?

Continue Reading Hermansson’s Strickland Game Plan: Hit Him & Make It A Quick Night at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Uninterested In Sparring With Sean Strickland

Sean “Sugar” O’Malley believes a training session with Sean “Tarzan” Strickland is bad for his health.

If you keep up with the fighters on social media, you know that O’Malley and Strickland have some conflict with each other.

Sean Strickland,…

Sean O'Malley and Sean Strickland

Sean “Sugar” O’Malley believes a training session with Sean “Tarzan” Strickland is bad for his health.

If you keep up with the fighters on social media, you know that O’Malley and Strickland have some conflict with each other.

Sean Strickland, noted for his outlandish comments, has not shied away from stating his honest opinions about Sean O’Malley. Last year, the controversial fighter ridiculed O’Malley for his tattoo choices and association with rapper Tekashi 69 via Twitter.

“@SugaSeanMMA woke up one day and said “you know that guy who snitched on all his friends, did something shady with minor, yeah that guy I want him to tattoo his name on me” lol!! You know @SugaSeanMMA walks around holding his pocket lol!!!,” Strickland tweeted in December.

However, it is highly unlikely the two will ever meet in the cage. Sean O’Malley, 14-1-0, fights at bantamweight, and Sean Strickland, 24-3-1, fights in the middleweight division. But a spar between the two could simmer Strickland down.

Let O’Malley tell it, he cannot fathom the intensity of fighters like Strickland. Sparring viciously outside of the Octagon seems like a waste of his time and threatens the longevity of his career. (h/t Pundit Arena).

“I remember him, he was on fucking streak, no one was beating him. He’s been good for a long ass time. It would be a pain in the ass to have him as a sparring partner though. You know you’re just fighting every time.

“I feel like I’ve gotten to a spot where I’m not going to fight dude, I’m not getting into a fistfight with this guy if I’m not getting paid. I’m not doing it. It’s not good for my brain, it’s not good for my body, I only have a certain amount of scraps, and I think everyone does, and I’m not going to waste them in the gym,” Sean O’Malley explained on his podcast.

And who can blame him? Undoubtedly, Strickland has turned a lot of heads with most of his statements and violent sparring sessions. He mentioned he would love to murder someone in the Octagon and soon followed up with his dream to kill outside of the Octagon, as well.

Even Tim Welch, Sean O’Malley’s head coach, commented on Strickland’s chaotic antics:

“There’s something wrong in that dude’s head isn’t there. He’s a fucking freak. You read his Twitter dude, he is not healthy.”

As of right now, “Sugar” O’Malley plans to focus on his career path and well-being and is not concerned about a sparring match with “Tarzan.”

Would you like to see a sparring session between Sean O’Malley and Sean Strickland?

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Uninterested In Sparring With Sean Strickland at MMA News.

Sean Strickland Suggests Mixed Rules For Fury vs. Ngannou

Sean StricklandUFC middleweight Sean Strickland has an interesting take on the ruleset of a potential matchup between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury. Recently there has been rumbling of a potential fight between the WBC heavyweight champion and the UFC heavyweight champion. The pair have both teased the fight with several back and forths on social media. […]

Sean Strickland

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland has an interesting take on the ruleset of a potential matchup between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury.

Recently there has been rumbling of a potential fight between the WBC heavyweight champion and the UFC heavyweight champion.

The pair have both teased the fight with several back and forths on social media.

Although the crossover bout is a fun idea there are still some glaring logistics that would need to be addressed. Although Ngannou has previously mentioned trying his hand in the professional boxing ranks, Fury has stated he would have the boxing match bout take place in an octagon with 4oz MMA gloves.

So this would be a professional bout, more of a crossover exhibition but how much of a crossover? Could they potentially follow in the steps of Triller Triad and allow additional clinch work alongside untraditional punches such as superman punches and spinning backfists? Well UFC middleweight Sean Strickland took to his Twitter to share an interesting idea of what he thinks should happen.

‘Tyson fury beats Francious in a boxing match without a doubt,” Strickland wrote. “Francious kills Tyson in a fight. Literally takes his life….. They should do 4 ounce gloves with bare knucke rules. That’s the middle ground…’

Is Tyson Fury v Francis Ngannou Likely?

Over the past few years, we have seen an explosion of crossover events, catalyzed by the Floyd Mayweather v Conor McGregor fight. Just in the last few months, we have seen MMA veterans such as Tyrone Woodley, Frank Mir, and Vitor Belfort all step into some form of boxing/mixed rules event seemingly in pursuit of payday that would be impossible through MMA.

Not only is there an audience for this kind of event, but Ngannou’s very public feud with the UFC is also making it seem that he will not return to the promotion. This means that Ngannou will be free to fight wherever he sees fit and with a well-documented appetite for boxing it’s likely we see ‘The Predator’ in the squared circle next.

Although Ngannou maybe boxing next, it will almost definitely not be against Fury, who has number mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte breathing down his neck along with a potential showdown with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed title.

What do you make of Sean Stricklands idea for Fury v Ngannou?

Jared Cannonier: The World Needs More Sean Strickland’s

Jared Cannonier believes the world needs more of Sean Strickland and his approach to life.

Strickland has been vocal in interviews and on social media as he speaks his mind and doesn’t hold back. To many, they don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but…

Sean Strickland, Jared Cannonier

Jared Cannonier believes the world needs more of Sean Strickland and his approach to life.

Strickland has been vocal in interviews and on social media as he speaks his mind and doesn’t hold back. To many, they don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but Strickland doesn’t care. For Cannonier, he says that is a welcomed sight and something he wishes more fighters would do.

“That’s absolutely why. I don’t like having to figure you out. Be who you are. If you’re not being honest with me, you’re definitely not being honest with yourself. You’re just putting on another face. You’re hiding your true self, and I don’t trust that,” said Cannonier to LowKick MMA. “I don’t trust somebody who’s hiding their true selves. If you’ve done something bad, that’s shadow work that needs to be done within that individual, so that they can come out and be their authentic self, so they can love themselves in front of the world, you know what I’m saying? Without having to hide ‘hide this part of me, hide that part of me.’

Jared Cannonier
Jared Cannonier (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I do appreciate that (in Sean Strickland). The world needs more of that,” added Cannonier. “We’ve been living in this Dionysus-themed thing, with the social media and the media in general. People just put on faces, they put on masks whenever they go in front of a camera or in front of other people. I find it hard to trust that. One thing I will trust is somebody who’s gonna be themselves in front of me, whether you’re gonna be my friend or my enemy, I wanna know who you are and what’s your intent here?”

Although Cannonier believes the world needs more Stricklands, he has gotten in trouble for some of the things he has said online. He does cross the line on multiple occasions, but as Cannonier says, that is truly Strickland, and he isn’t hiding anything.

Jared Cannonier is set to return in the co-main event of UFC 271 on February 12 as he takes on Derek Brunson in a number one contender bout. Sean Strickland, meanwhile, headlines the February 5 Fight Night card opposite Jack Hermansson.

Do you agree with Jared Cannonier that the world needs more Sean Stricklands?

Continue Reading Jared Cannonier: The World Needs More Sean Strickland’s at MMA News.