Controversial UFC fighter Sean Strickland has once again ignited widespread fury with a misogynistic and homophobic rant delivered at a press conference ahead of his upcoming fight this weekend. The 34-year-old unleashed an unprompted tirade focusing on the NFL and Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show from earlier this month, pointedly refusing to mention the global superstar's name.
Strickland's Offensive Comments Target Bad Bunny
'Look at the NFL, dude. I don't even want to say the f****t's name because it's just like, what, somebody give me his name,' Strickland declared, calling out to reporters in attendance. 'Come say his name, I don't want to say it. You know what I'm talking about, the halftime show guy. The Puerto Rican, right? Puerto Rican.'
When someone eventually supplied Bad Bunny's name, Strickland continued his offensive remarks. 'Yeah, that f***ing f****t. It's so crazy that this is America now. Like, back in the day dude, the NFL was the f***ing standard of being a f***ing man.'
NFL Figures Condemn Strickland's Remarks
The UFC fighter was promptly criticized on social media by former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who shared a clip of Strickland being punched in the chin during a previous fight. Griffin wrote: 'Sean Strickland got hit so hard by a foreigner that he forgot Puerto Ricans are US citizens. Not to mention that this misogynistic cry baby would get tossed like salad if he ever stepped foot on a football field in the NFL. Worry about not getting knocked out in your next fight.'
Jenna Laine, an NFL reporter for ESPN, also posted the clip and offered a contrasting perspective. 'You know what’s really cool about the NFL now? That it’s full of a lot of thoughtful, socially-conscious and emotionally intelligent men who may come from different backgrounds and may not agree on everything, but wouldn’t stand for this kind of hatred in their locker rooms.'
History of Controversial Behavior
Strickland possesses a lengthy background of controversial, bizarre, and offensive activity that extends well beyond this recent incident. In 2021, he tweeted that he would feel he had 'failed as a man' if he had a gay son, revealing deeply entrenched prejudiced views.
In 2022, he filmed himself showering with an AK-47, claiming it represented 'the most f***ing American thing you can do.' This display demonstrated notable ignorance, as the AK-47 is actually a Russian-made firearm, named partly after its inventor Mikhail Kalashnikov and the year he developed the design.
Previous Sexist Comments About Women's MMA
In January 2024, Strickland embarked on a sexist rant concerning female fighters in mixed martial arts. 'Sure, have women’s MMA, have it be a thing. I don’t like to watch it. I don’t think most people like to watch it. If the female MMA was to separate from the male MMA no-one’s going to watch that s***,' he stated.
He elaborated with a demeaning comparison: 'There is a vast difference between men and women. Even take this weak Canadian sitting next to you (points at a journalist), he could probably beat up Raquel Pennington. I'm not saying you can’t sit there and enjoy it, but I don’t want to see two f***ing little cats fight, I want to see lions fight. But here we are. I’m sure they’re great fighters. I didn’t say anything too offensive, did I?'
Upcoming Fight in Texas
Strickland is scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez this Saturday night in Texas, serving as the main event on the fight card. This latest controversy adds another layer of notoriety to his already contentious public persona as he prepares to enter the octagon once again.
