Sean Strickland

American mixed martial artist (born 1991)

Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night 200

Born| Sean Thomas Strickland
(1991-02-27) February 27, 1991 (age 34)
Anaheim, California, U.S.
Nickname| Tarzan
Height| 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight| 185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
Division| Welterweight (2008, 2015–2018)
Middleweight (2009–2015, 2020–present)
Light Heavyweight (2009–2010, 2023)
Reach| 76 in (193 cm)[1]
Stance| Orthodox
Fighting out of| Corona, California, U.S.
Team| Millennia MMA Gym (2014–present)[2]
RVCA Training Center
Syndicate MMA[3]
Xtreme Couture (present)[when?][citation needed]
Trainer| Eric Nicksick[4]
Rank| Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[5]
Years active| 2008–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total| 36
Wins| 29
By knockout| 11
By submission| 4
By decision| 14
Losses| 7
By knockout| 2
By decision| 5
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Sean Thomas Strickland[6] (born February 27, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the former UFC Middleweight Champion. A professional since 2008, he is a former Middleweight Champion of the King of the Cage. As of February 11, 2025, he is #2 in the UFC middleweight rankings.[7]

## Early life

[edit]

Sean Strickland grew up in Corona, California, in a household with a physically and mentally abusive father.[8][2] During Strickland’s early childhood, he attacked his father with a guitar in an attempt to defend his mother. Strickland fled from his house and contacted his local law enforcement leading to his father being briefly arrested. However, the next day his father was released from jail as his mother paid for his bail.[9]

In Strickland’s adolescence, he developed a close relationship with his grandfather who held neo-Nazi ideologies. He adopted his grandfather’s views, which were further reinforced through his viewing of the film American History X. “I loved the life they lived, just dirty, white trash, to have respect, you know? When I was a kid, that was somebody I would hero-worship, that ideology,” Strickland stated regarding the characters in the film.[10]

Strickland recalled that he was expelled from school in the ninth grade for perpetrating a hate crime, after which his mother decided to take him to an MMA gym. He met people of different races while training who helped him, and this motivated him to abandon the ideology.[11] Strickland stated, “Then I started training and the moment I started training I was like, 'fuck man, I don’t hate anybody. Everyone’s cool. Then a lot of people who helped me out in my life, they weren’t white.'”[10]

At the age of 18, Strickland had another violent altercation with his father again resulting in police involvement. However, no charges were pressed. Following this event, Strickland and his mother moved out of his father’s house.[12]

## Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

### Early career

[edit]

Strickland made his professional debut in 2008 for the King of the Cage promotion and compiled an undefeated record of 9–0 before facing Josh Bryant in a fight for the King of the Cage Middleweight Championship at KOTC: Unification on December 9, 2012. Strickland won via split decision, and then successfully defended his title three times before being signed by the UFC.[13]

### Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Strickland made his UFC debut at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, facing Bubba McDaniel.[14] Strickland won via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[15]

Strickland made his next appearance at UFC Fight Night 41 against Luke Barnatt on May 31, 2014.[16] Strickland won via split decision.[17] 11 out of 11 media outlets scored the bout for Barnatt.[18]

Strickland faced Santiago Ponzinibbio in a welterweight bout on February 22, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 61.[19] Strickland lost the back and forth fight via unanimous decision.[20]

Strickland faced Igor Araújo on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71.[21] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[22]

Strickland faced Alex Garcia on February 21, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 83.[23] After a back-and-forth first two rounds, Strickland won the fight via TKO in the third round.[24]

Strickland next faced Tom Breese on June 4, 2016, at UFC 199.[25] He won the fight via split decision.[26]

Strickland was expected to face Tim Means on August 20, 2016, at UFC 202.[27] However Strickland pulled out of the fight in early August citing a knee injury.[28] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Sabah Homasi.[29]

Strickland faced Kamaru Usman on April 8, 2017, at UFC 210.[30] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[31]

Strickland faced Court McGee on November 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 120.[32] This fight was back and forth for all three rounds and was initially announced a majority draw with scores of 30-27, 29-29, and 29-29. After the fight it was revealed there was an error in calculating the judges' scorecards and Strickland was declared the winner by unanimous decision.[33]

Strickland faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on May 12, 2018, at UFC 224.[34] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[35]

Strickland faced Nordine Taleb on October 27, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 138.[36] He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.[37] Strickland became a free agent after the fight by fighting out his contract.[38]

#### Return from injury

[edit]

Returning from a two-year layoff after a motorcycle accident,[39] Strickland was scheduled to face Wellington Turman on October 31, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 181.[40] However on September 29, Turman pulled out due to COVID-19 sequelae that rendered him unable to train after his two-week quarantine ended on September 2,[41] and he was replaced by Jack Marshman.[42] At the weight-ins, Marshman weighed in at 187.5 pounds, one and a half pounds over the middleweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Marshman was fined 20% of his purse, which went to Strickland.[43] Strickland won the fight via unanimous decision.[44]

As a result of Ian Heinisch contracting COVID-19,[45] Strickland replaced Heinisch on short notice and faced Brendan Allen on November 14, 2020 in a 195 lb catchweight bout, at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos.[46] He won the fight via technical knockout.[47] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[48]

Strickland faced Krzysztof Jotko on May 1, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka.[49] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[50]

Strickland was expected to face Uriah Hall on August 7, 2021, at UFC 265.[51] However on June 4, 2021, the bout with Hall was moved to headline UFC on ESPN 28 on July 31, 2021.[52] During his training camp in the build up to this fight, he got into a physical altercation with sparring partner Orlando Sanchez, who he accused of trying to injure him.[53] Strickland defeated Hall via unanimous decision.[54]

Strickland was scheduled to face former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold on November 6, 2021, at UFC 268.[55] However, on October 11, Rockhold withdrew due to a herniated disc.[56]

Strickland faced Jack Hermansson on February 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 200.[57] He won the fight via split decision.[58] 21 out of 21 media outlets scored the fight for Strickland.[59] Judge Sal D'Amato, who scored the fight 48-47 for Hermansson, received widespread criticism for his scorecard.[60]

Strickland at a 2022 press conference

Strickland was scheduled to face Alex Pereira on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277.[61] However, the promotion moved the pairing to UFC 276 on July 2, 2022.[62] Strickland lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[63]

Strickland was scheduled to face Jared Cannonier on October 15, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 212.[64] However, the bout was scrapped after Strickland withdrew due to a finger infection.[65] The pair was re-booked for UFC Fight Night 216 on December 17, 2022.[66] Strickland lost the fight via split decision.[67]

In a quick turnaround, Strickland faced Nassourdine Imavov, replacing Kelvin Gastelum in a light heavyweight bout on January 14, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov.[68] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[69]

Strickland faced Abusupiyan Magomedov on July 1, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 48.[70] Strickland won the fight via TKO in the second round.[71] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[72]

#### UFC Middleweight Championship

[edit]

Strickland faced Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight Championship on September 10, 2023, at UFC 293.[73] He won the fight via unanimous decision in what was considered a major upset, as Adesanya was a 7/1 betting favorite.[74][75] The win also earned Strickland his third Performance of the Night bonus award.[76]

Strickland had his first title defense against Dricus du Plessis on January 20, 2024 at UFC 297.[77] The pair were in attendance at UFC 296 on December 16, 2023, seated within two rows of each-other by Dana White's arrangement.[78] While exchanging words, Strickland gestured for audience members to move and attacked du Plessis. The brawl was quickly broken up and Strickland was escorted out of the event.[79][80][81] Strickland lost the fight via split decision.[82] 13 out of 24 media outlets scored the bout for du Plessis.[83] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[84]

#### Post championship

[edit]

Strickland faced Paulo Costa on June 1, 2024, at UFC 302.[85] He won the fight by split decision.[86] 24 out of 24 media sources scored the fight in favor of Strickland.[87]

Strickland competed for the UFC Middleweight Championship in a rematch against current champion Dricus du Plessis on February 9, 2025 at UFC 312.[88] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[89]

## Fighting style

[edit]

Fighting in a notably upright, orthodox stance,[90] Sean Strickland is distinguished for his defensive striking. This is evident in the UFC’s official Significant Strike Defense statistic, where he boasts a 65.4% defense rate—the highest among active fighters in the middleweight division.[91]

UFC commentator Joe Rogan stated regarding Sean Strickland’s defense, “He spars more than anybody in the UFC and they put a mouthpiece that measures how many times you get hit. He gets hit less than anyone [and] he’s got phenomenal defense.” [92]

Central to Strickland’s defensive approach is his incorporation of the Philly Shell guard, referring to the positioning of the lead hand on the lower torso and the back hand closer to the side of the face.[93] This allows Strickland to fight defensively, deflecting strikes with his raised lead shoulder as well as actively parrying strikes and checking kicks.

Offensively, Sean Strickland prefers to utilize his boxing within his fights. Strickland applies pressure by constantly walking forwards and forcing his opponents into boxing range, in which he then applies jabs often in volume and followed by a right cross.[94] His defensive stance largely prevents him from generating power and he has only finished two fights by knockout since moving to middleweight full-time in 2020.

Strickland generally applies his wrestling defensively to great effect, with a high takedown defense statistic of 77%.[95] Strickland may pursue top position to engage in powerful ground and pound.[94]

## Personal life

[edit]

According to Strickland, his father was physically and psychologically abusive to both Sean and his mother.[96]

In December 2018, Strickland was hit by a car while he was riding a motorcycle in Los Angeles, rendering him unconscious. He suffered numerous injuries and needed a knee operation after the accident.[97]

Strickland was an avid supporter of Donald Trump, however, in February 2025, Strickland questioned some of Trump's pro-Israel views and began wondering if it was a "mistake" re-electing him.[98]

### Comments on LGBT issues and women's rights

[edit]

In January 2022, Strickland responded to a question on Twitter, "If I had a gay son I would think I failed as a man."[99] During the press conference for UFC 297, Strickland responded to a reporter asking about his previous comments, also criticizing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's handling of the Canada convoy protest and Bud Light's advertising campaign featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.[100][101]

On January 18, 2024 at UFC 297 media day, when a reporter mentioned Strickland's controversial tweet, Strickland responded:

> You’re part of the big problem, a spineless creature who asks me stupid questions. Just ten years ago, being trans meant you were mentally ill, but people like you suddenly decided to change everything. You are an infection, you are the definition of weakness—everything wrong that happens to this world is because of you. The good thing is that the world didn't buy into this—it didn't buy into this nonsense and the agenda that you are pushing. There are two genders, and I don't want my children to be taught in school what their preferences should be. This guy is the fucking enemy! Look at the enemy of our world—here he is, sitting right here and asking his stupid questions.[102]

Strickland has made a number of controversial comments about women and women's rights. He has stated that the decision to grant women the right to vote was an error. He has also advocated for removing women from the workforce, and said that they need to be "put back in the kitchen".[103][104] He has also commented negatively about women's MMA. In an interview, he said "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 shit".[105]

## Championships and achievements

[edit]

* Ultimate Fighting Championship
* UFC Middleweight Championship (One time)[74]
* Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Dricus du Plessis 1[84]
* Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Brendan Allen, Abusupiyan Magomedov, and Israel Adesanya[48][72][76]
* Third lowest bottom position percentage in UFC Middleweight division history (1.0%)[106]
* Second most significant distance strikes landed in UFC history (2019)
* Most significant strikes landed in UFC Middleweight division history (1465)[107]
* Second most significant strikes landed in UFC history (2216)[108]
* Third most total strikes landed in UFC Middleweight division history (1528)[106]
* Most strikes landed-per-minute in UFC Middleweight division history (6.19)[106]
* Longest average fight time in UFC Middleweight division history (18:11)[106]
* Most significant strikes attempted in a UFC Middleweight bout (428) (vs. Uriah Hall)[109]
* Third most significant strikes attempted in a UFC Middleweight bout (400) (vs. Jared Cannonier)[109]
* Most significant strikes attempted in a UFC Light Heavyweight bout (405) (vs. Nassourdine Imavov)[110]
* Most total strikes attempted in a UFC Light Heavyweight bout (420) (vs. Nassourdine Imavov)[110]
* Most significant head strikes landed in a UFC Middleweight bout (173) (vs. Uriah Hall)[109]
* Most significant strikes landed in a UFC Middleweight title bout (173) (vs. Dricus du Plessis 1)[109]
* Tied (Chris Leben & Jean Silva) for third fastest turnaround to win two fights (14 days in 2020)[111]
* Tied for second most split decision wins in UFC history (4)
* UFC Honors Awards
* 2023: President's Choice Performance of the Year Nominee vs. Israel Adesanya[112]
* UFC.com Awards
* 2023: Ranked #4 Fighter of the Year[113] & Ranked #2 Upset of the Year vs. Israel Adesanya[114]
* King of the Cage
* KOTC Middleweight Championship (One time)
* Five successful title defenses
* MMAjunkie.com
* 2020 Comeback Fighter of the Year[115]
* 2023 Male Fighter of the Year[116]
* Sherdog
* 2020 Comeback Fighter of the Year[117]
* World MMA Awards
* 2024 Upset of the Year vs. Israel Adesanya at UFC 293[118]

## Mixed martial arts record

[edit]

Professional record breakdown  36 matches | 29 wins | 7 losses

|
|

By knockout | 11  | 2
By submission | 4  | 0
By decision | 14  | 5
Res.  | Record  | Opponent  | Method  | Event  | Date  | Round  | Time  | Location  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Loss  | 29–7  | Dricus du Plessis | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC 312 | February 9, 2025 | 5  | 5:00  | Sydney, Australia  | For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win  | 29–6  | Paulo Costa | Decision (split)  | UFC 302 | June 1, 2024 | 5  | 5:00  | Newark, New Jersey, United States  |
Loss  | 28–6  | Dricus du Plessis | Decision (split)  | UFC 297 | January 20, 2024 | 5  | 5:00  | Toronto, Ontario, Canada  | Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win  | 28–5  | Israel Adesanya | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC 293 | September 10, 2023 | 5  | 5:00  | Sydney, Australia  | Won the UFC Middleweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win  | 27–5  | Abusupiyan Magomedov  | TKO (punches)  | UFC on ESPN: Strickland vs. Magomedov | July 1, 2023 | 2  | 4:20  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  | Performance of the Night.
Win  | 26–5  | Nassourdine Imavov | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov | January 14, 2023 | 5  | 5:00  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  | Light Heavyweight bout.
Loss  | 25–5  | Jared Cannonier | Decision (split)  | UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Strickland | December 17, 2022 | 5  | 5:00  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  |
Loss  | 25–4  | Alex Pereira | KO (punches)  | UFC 276 | July 2, 2022 | 1  | 2:36  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  |
Win  | 25–3  | Jack Hermansson | Decision (split)  | UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland | February 5, 2022 | 5  | 5:00  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  |
Win  | 24–3  | Uriah Hall | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC on ESPN: Hall vs. Strickland | July 31, 2021 | 5  | 5:00  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  |
Win  | 23–3  | Krzysztof Jotko | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka | May 1, 2021 | 3  | 5:00  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  |
Win  | 22–3  | Brendan Allen | TKO (punches)  | UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos | November 14, 2020 | 2  | 1:32  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  | Catchweight (195 lb) bout. Performance of the Night.
Win  | 21–3  | Jack Marshman | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva | October 31, 2020 | 3  | 5:00  | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States  | Return to Middleweight; Marshman missed weight (187.5 lb).
Win  | 20–3  | Nordine Taleb | TKO (punches)  | UFC Fight Night: Volkan vs. Smith | October 27, 2018 | 2  | 3:10  | Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada  |
Loss  | 19–3  | Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | KO (spinning wheel kick and punches)  | UFC 224 | May 12, 2018 | 1  | 3:40  | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  |
Win  | 19–2  | Court McGee | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis | November 11, 2017 | 3  | 5:00  | Norfolk, Virginia, United States  | Originally announced as a majority draw; overturned due to a miscalculation in scores.
Loss  | 18–2  | Kamaru Usman | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC 210 | April 8, 2017 | 3  | 5:00  | Buffalo, New York, United States  |
Win  | 18–1  | Tom Breese | Decision (split)  | UFC 199 | June 4, 2016 | 3  | 5:00  | Inglewood, California, United States  |
Win  | 17–1  | Alex Garcia | KO (punches)  | UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Cowboy | February 21, 2016 | 3  | 4:25  | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States  |
Win  | 16–1  | Igor Araújo | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee | July 15, 2015 | 3  | 5:00  | San Diego, California, United States  |
Loss  | 15–1  | Santiago Ponzinibbio | Decision (unanimous)  | UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Mir | February 22, 2015 | 3  | 5:00  | Porto Alegre, Brazil  | Return to Welterweight.
Win  | 15–0  | Luke Barnatt | Decision (split)  | UFC Fight Night: Muñoz vs. Mousasi | May 31, 2014 | 3  | 5:00  | Berlin, Germany  |
Win  | 14–0  | Bubba McDaniel | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | UFC 171 | March 15, 2014 | 1  | 4:33  | Dallas, Texas, United States  |
Win  | 13–0  | Matt Lagler  | TKO (punches)  | KOTC: Split Decision  | August 29, 2013 | 1  | 4:59  | Highland, California, United States  | Defended the KOTC Middleweight Championship.
Win  | 12–0  | Yusuke Sakashita  | Decision (unanimous)  | KOTC: Worldwide  | July 5, 2013 | 5  | 5:00  | Manila, Philippines  | Defended the KOTC Middleweight Championship.
Win  | 11–0  | Bill Albrecht  | KO (punch)  | KOTC: Restitution  | February 7, 2013 | 1  | 2:41  | Los Angeles, California, United States  | Defended the KOTC Middleweight Championship.
Win  | 10–0  | Josh Bryant  | Decision (split)  | KOTC: Unification  | December 8, 2012 | 3  | 5:00  | Highland, California, United States  | Defended and unified the KOTC Middleweight Championship.
Win  | 9–0  | Brandon Hunt  | TKO (punches)  | KOTC: Hardcore  | April 26, 2012 | 1  | 3:24  | Highland, California, United States  | Won the KOTC Middleweight Championship.
Win  | 8–0  | Brandon Hunt  | TKO (punches)  | KOTC: Steel Curtain | December 17, 2011 | 1  | 3:48  | Norman, Oklahoma, United States  |
Win  | 7–0  | Brett Sbardella  | KO (punches)  | KOTC: Demolition | August 6, 2011 | 1  | 1:03  | Walker, Minnesota, United States  |
Win  | 6–0  | Donavin Hawkey  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | KOTC: Platinum | November 25, 2010 | 1  | 1:21  | Durban, South Africa  | Return to Middleweight.
Win  | 5–0  | Adriel Montes  | TKO (punches)  | KOTC: Underground 63 | October 2, 2010 | 2  | 1:05  | Laughlin, Nevada, United States  |
Win  | 4–0  | George Interiano  | Decision (unanimous)  | Long Beach Fight Night 7  | January 3, 2010 | 3  | 5:00  | Long Beach, California, United States  |
Win  | 3–0  | William Wheeler  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | KOTC: Jolted | October 3, 2009 | 1  | 1:55  | Laughlin, Nevada, United States  | Light Heavyweight debut.
Win  | 2–0  | Brandon Ellsworth  | TKO (punches)  | KOTC: Last Resort | March 14, 2009 | 1  | 1:28  | Laughlin, Nevada, United States  | Middleweight debut.
Win  | 1–0  | Tyler Pottett  | Submission (rear-naked choke)  | KOTC: Protege | March 22, 2008 | 2  | 1:53  | Laughlin, Nevada, United States  | Welterweight debut.

[119]

## Pay-per-view bouts

[edit]

No.  | Event  | Fight  | Date  | Venue  | City  | PPV buys

|
|
|
|
|
|

1\.  | UFC 293 | Adesanya vs. Strickland | September 10, 2023  | Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, Australia  | Not Disclosed[120]
2\.  | UFC 297 | Strickland vs. du Plessis | January 20, 2024  | Scotiabank Arena | Toronto, Ontario, Canada  | Not Disclosed[121]
3\.  | UFC 312 | du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 | February 9, 2025  | Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, Australia  | Not Disclosed[122]

## See also

[edit]

* List of current UFC fighters
* List of male mixed martial artists

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Mir vs. Duffee". UFC.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
2. ^ a b E. Spencer Kyte (October 30, 2020). "Sean Strickland Is At Peace". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
3. ^ Gabriel Rizk (June 2, 2016). "MMA: Team Quest's Sean Strickland ready to take next step in UFC". The Press-Enterprise.
4. ^ Martin, Damon (January 4, 2022). "Eric Nicksick praises Sean Strickland, reveals how he routinely calls out Francis Ngannou for sparring sessions". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
5. ^ "UFC great explains why every gym 'needs' a guy like Sean Strickland". Bloodyelbow.com. October 31, 2023.
6. ^ "Sean Strickland ("Tarzan") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
7. ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
8. ^ "Sean Strickland Details His Neo-Nazi Past, Homicidal Thoughts - The MMA Hour". YouTube. October 27, 2021.
9. ^ "Sean Strickland's Parents: Everything About the UFC Star's Childhood and His Relationship With His Father". EssentiallySports. September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
10. ^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (October 31, 2021). "Sean Strickland details neo-Nazi past, finding salvation in MMA". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
11. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (October 31, 2021). "Sean Strickland details neo-Nazi past, finding salvation in MMA". MMA Fighting. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
12. ^ Ayaz, Aliasgar (September 8, 2023). "Sean Strickland's Parents and Rough Childhood - UFC Middleweight's Disturbing Past Will Surprise You". Sportsmanor. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
13. ^ Sherdog.com. "Sean". Sherdog. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
14. ^ "UFC 171: Sean Strickland vs Bubba McDaniel booked for March 15 with Tor Troeng hurt". mmamania.com. March 3, 2014.
15. ^ "UFC 171 results: Sean Strickland chokes out Bubba McDaniel in the first round". bloodyelbow.com. March 15, 2014.
16. ^ "Luke Barnatt vs. Sean Strickland set for UFC Fight Night 41 in Berlin". bjpenn.com. March 25, 2014. Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
17. ^ "UFC Fight Night 41 results: Sean Strickland shocks Luke Barnatt with split decision". mmajunkie.com. May 31, 2014.
18. ^ MMA Decisions (May 31, 2014). "MMA Decisions - Sean Strickland defeats Luke Barnatt". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
19. ^ Jason Floyd (December 22, 2014). "Three fights added to UFC Fight Night 61". themmareport.com. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
20. ^ Steven Marrocco (December 22, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 61 results: Santiago Ponzinibbio tops Sean Strickland in 'FOTN' contender". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
21. ^ Staff (March 31, 2015). "Sean Strickland meets Igor Araujo at July's UFC Fight Night 71 in San Diego". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
22. ^ Ben Fowlkes (July 15, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 71 results: Sean Strickland cruises in decision win over Igor Araujo". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
23. ^ Staff (December 15, 2015). "Seven fights added to UFC Fight Night 82 in Pittsburgh". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
24. ^ Adrian McNair (February 21, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 83 results: TKO! Sean Strickland swarms on Alex Garcia late to get stoppage at UFC Pittsburgh". mmamania.com. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
25. ^ Matt Erickson (March 29, 2016). "Sean Strickland gets home fight, meets Tom Breese at UFC 199 in Los Angeles in June". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
26. ^ Brent Brookhouse (June 4, 2016). "UFC 199 results: Sean Strickland edges Tom Breese by split decision". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
27. ^ Tristen Critchfield (June 30, 2016). "Tim Means returns from suspension to face Sean Strickland at UFC 202". sherdog.com. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
28. ^ John Morgan (August 5, 2016). "Sean Strickland out at UFC 202; promotion seeks new opponent for Tim Means". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
29. ^ Marc Raimondi (August 9, 2016). "Sabah Homasi steps in to face Tim Means at UFC 202". mmafighting.com. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
30. ^ Staff (February 14, 2017). "Sean Strickland vs. Kamaru Usman added to UFC 210 in Buffalo". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
31. ^ Steven Marrocco (April 8, 2017). "UFC 210 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Sean Strickland, still perfect in UFC". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
32. ^ Dave Doyle (August 21, 2017). "Court McGee vs. Sean Strickland set for UFC Fight Night 120". mmafighting.com. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
33. ^ "UFC Fight Night 120 results: Sean Strickland wins hard-fought decision upon further review". MMAjunkie. November 12, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
34. ^ Marcelo Barone (March 23, 2018). "Elizeu Capoeira faces Sean Strickland at UFC Rio in May". sportv.globo.com (in Portuguese). Retrieved March 23, 2018.
35. ^ "UFC 224 results: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos decks Sean Strickland with highlight-reel spinning kick". MMAjunkie. May 13, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
36. ^ Marcel Dorff (August 10, 2018). "Welterweight clash between Nordine Taleb and Sean Strickland during UFC Moncton" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
37. ^ Sherdog.com. "UFC Fight Night 138 Prelims: Sean Strickland Pounds Out Nordine Taleb". Sherdog. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
38. ^ Fernanda Prates (October 30, 2018). "Fear of losing not entirely behind Sean Strickland, but UFC Moncton win is a start". mmajunkie.com.
39. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (September 2, 2020). "Sean Strickland returns from two-year layoff after motorcycle accident, fights Wellington Turman at Oct. 31 UFC event". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
40. ^ DNA, MMA (August 21, 2020). "Sean Strickland vs. Wellington Turman toegevoegd aan "UFC Halloween" evenement". MMA DNA. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
41. ^ Guilherme Cruz (September 29, 2020). "Wellington Turman still unable to train after COVID-19 quarantine, withdraws from UFC fight with Sean Strickland". mmafighting.com. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
42. ^ DNA, MMA (October 17, 2020). "Jack Marshman vervangt Wellington Turman tegen Sean Strickland". MMA DNA. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
43. ^ Staff (October 30, 2020). "UFC on ESPN+ 39 weigh-in results: Silva, Hall official, but two are heavy and one fight scrapped". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
44. ^ Anderson, Jay (October 31, 2020). "UFC Vegas 12 Results: Vocal Sean Strickland Victorious In Return Against Jack Marshman". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
45. ^ "Brendan Allen gets quick rebooking vs. Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night 182 on Saturday". MMA Junkie. November 9, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
46. ^ Martin, Damon (November 9, 2020). "Brendan Allen faces Sean Strickland in late addition to UFC Vegas 14". MMA Fighting. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
47. ^ Doherty, Dan (November 14, 2020). "UFC Vegas 14 Results: Sean Strickland Stops Brendan Allen Behind Strong Jab". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
48. ^ a b Ravens, Andrew (November 14, 2020). "UFC On ESPN+ 41 Bonuses: Rafael Dos Anjos & Paul Felder Earn FOTN Honors". Mma News | Ufc News, Results & Interviews. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
49. ^ Mike Bohn (February 24, 2021). "Krzysztof Jotko vs. Sean Strickland added to UFC Fight Night on May 1". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
50. ^ "UFC on ESPN 23 results: Sean Strickland picks apart Krzysztof Jotko, extends streak". MMA Junkie. May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
51. ^ Farah Hannoun (May 14, 2021). "Uriah Hall vs. Sean Strickland added to UFC 265 on Aug. 7". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
52. ^ Damon Martin (June 4, 2021). "Uriah Hall vs. Sean Strickland moved from UFC 265 to main event at UFC Fight Night on July 31". mmafighting.com.
53. ^ BjjTribes (June 15, 2021). "Orlando Sanchez gets into physical altercation whilst training with UFC veteran Sean Strickland". BjjTribes. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
54. ^ Jeff Wagenheim (August 1, 2021). "Sean Strickland dominates Uriah Hall in unanimous decision for 5th straight win". espn.com. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
55. ^ DNA, MMA (August 4, 2021). "Sean Strickland vs. Luke Rockhold toegevoegd aan UFC 268 in New York". MMA DNA. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
56. ^ Mike Bohn (October 11, 2021). "Luke Rockhold injured, out of UFC 268 fight with Sean Strickland". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
57. ^ DNA, MMA (December 3, 2021). "Jack Hermansson treft Sean Strickland tijdens het Main Event op 5 februari". MMA DNA. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
58. ^ Anderson, Jay (February 5, 2022). "UFC Vegas 47: Sean Strickland Wins Chess Match Against Jack Hermansson". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
59. ^ "Sean Strickland def. Jack Hermansson :: UFC on ESPN+ 58 :: MMA Decisions". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
60. ^ Davies, Harry (February 6, 2022). "UFC told to "fire" judge after controversial scoring in Sean Strickland fight". mirror. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
61. ^ "UFC 277 | Pereira treft in derde UFC partij top 5 vechter Strickland". Eurosport (in Dutch). March 26, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
62. ^ Mike Heck (May 3, 2022). "Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira middleweight clash shifts to UFC 276". mmafighting.com. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
63. ^ Doherty, Dan (July 2, 2022). "UFC 276: Alex Pereira Sleeps Sean Strickland in First Round". Cageside Press. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
64. ^ "Jared Cannonier vs Sean Strickland walką wieczoru gali UFC w październiku. Obaj przegrali ostatnie starcia". MMA PL (in Polish). August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
65. ^ Heck, Mike (August 30, 2022). "Sean Strickland out of headliner with Jared Cannonier at UFC event on Oct. 15". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
66. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (September 13, 2022). "Sean Strickland vs. Jared Cannonier re-booked for UFC Fight Night on Dec. 17". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
67. ^ Dewar, Val (December 17, 2022). "UFC Vegas 66: Jared Cannonier Wins Close Split Decision Over Sean Strickland In Last UFC Fight of 2022". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
68. ^ "Kelvin Gastelum injured; Sean Strickland steps into UFC Fight Night 217 main event vs. Nassourdine Imavov". MMA Junkie. January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
69. ^ Val Dewar (January 14, 2023). "UFC Vegas 67: Sean Strickland Starts 2023 with Decision Win Over Nassourdine Imavov". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
70. ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (April 20, 2023). "UFC Vegas 76 headlined by Sean Strickland vs. Abusupiyan Magomedov on July 1". MMA Fighting. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
71. ^ "UFC Fight Night results, highlights: Sean Strickland stops Abus Magomedov inside two rounds". CBSSports.com. July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
72. ^ a b "UFC on ESPN 47 bonuses: Sean Strickland gets extra $50K on chase for better American morals". MMA Junkie. July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
73. ^ Shaun Al-Shatti (August 8, 2023). "Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland headlines UFC 293 in Sydney". mmafighting.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
74. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Sean Strickland Outworks Israel Adesanya in Shocking UFC 293 Upset Down Under". Sherdog. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
75. ^ "UFC 293 results, takeaways: Sean Strickland may have scored the biggest upset in promotional history". www.cbssports.com. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
76. ^ a b Chris Taylor (September 9, 2023). "UFC 293 Bonus Report: Sean Strickland one of four fighters to take home $50k". bjpenn.com. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
77. ^ "Dana White announces three UFC title fights to headline three pay-per-views in early 2024". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. November 6, 2023.
78. ^ Martin, Damon (December 17, 2023). "Dana White blames himself for Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis brawl at UFC 296: 'This assh***' sat them next to each other'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
79. ^ Canadian Press (December 16, 2023). "Toronto main event fighters Strickland, du Plessis fight in crowd at UFC 296". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
80. ^ Mackenzie, Alasdair (December 17, 2023). "UFC 296: Sean Strickland attacks Dricus Du Plessis in the middle of shocked Vegas crowd - 'Out of his mind'". eurosport.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
81. ^ Tabuena, Anton (December 17, 2023). "UFC champ Sean Strickland removed from UFC 296 after cageside brawl with Dricus Du Plessis - UPDATED". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
82. ^ McCorry, Patrick (January 21, 2024). "Dricus Du Plessis Realizes Dream, Takes Split Decision And Title". Cageside Press. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
83. ^ MMA Decisions (January 20, 2024). "MMA Decisions - Dricus Du Plessis defeats Sean Strickland". mmadecisions.com. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
84. ^ a b Brian Mazique (January 21, 2024). "UFC 297 Results - Winners, Finishes, Bonuses And Highlights". Forbes.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
85. ^ Damon Martin (April 14, 2024). "Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier, Sean Strickland's return set for UFC 302". mmafighting.com. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
86. ^ Anderson, Jay (June 2, 2024). "UFC 302: Sean Strickland Drags Paulo Costa Into Deep Waters". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
87. ^ "Sean Strickland def. Paulo Costa :: UFC 302 :: MMA Decisions".
88. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (December 7, 2024). "Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2, Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez announced for UFC 312 in Australia". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
89. ^ Jay Anderson (February 8, 2025). "UFC 312: Victorious Dricus Du Plessis Bloodies, but Can't Finish, Sean Strickland". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
90. ^ Arbour, Braeden (January 13, 2023). "Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov staff predictions | UFC Vegas 67". thebodylockmma.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
91. ^ "Record Book | UFC". statleaders.ufc.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
92. ^ Mahanta, Himanga (December 1, 2023). "Joe Rogan Busts Myth About UFC Champ Sean Strickland's Fighting Style While Scrutinizing His Defense- "MotherF**** Man"". EssentiallySports. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
93. ^ Wray, David (January 6, 2023). "What Is The Philly Shell Defense In Boxing?". www.lowkickmma.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
94. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Scouting Report: Sean Strickland". Sherdog. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
95. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
96. ^ "The abuse that marked the childhood of champion Strickland: I remember I stopped believing in God". January 19, 2024.
97. ^ "UFC's Sean Strickland details serious motorcycle accident, says 'long road back' to octagon". mmajunkie.com. December 16, 2018.
98. ^ https://www.irishstar.com/sport/other-sports/ufc-champion-donald-trump-mistake-34656154
99. ^ Ermac, Raffy (January 5, 2022). "UFC's Sean Strickland Says Having Gay Son Means He 'Failed As a Man'". www.out.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
100. ^ By Kathryn Mannie (January 18, 2024). "UFC's Sean Strickland berates reporter in anti-LGBTQ, anti-Trudeau rant". Global.
101. ^ "ESPN Challenged to Speak Out After UFC's Sean Strickland's Anti-LGBTQ+ Rant | Video". January 18, 2024.
102. ^ Ormamji, Alexandr (January 18, 2024). ""Creature, enemy of the world, infection." Strickland slams journalist who defends transgender people". www.ringside24.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
103. ^ Martin, Damon (December 13, 2023). "Colby Covington trashes Sean Strickland over stance on women, shuts down Belal Muhammad title shot after UFC 296". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
104. ^ Riddle, Mathew (June 29, 2023). "UFC Main Event Fighter Unleashes Sexist Tirade at Press Conference & Sparks Controversy". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
105. ^ "Sean Strickland launches derisive attack on women's MMA ahead of UFC 297". The Independent. January 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
106. ^ a b c d "UFC Middleweight - Stats". UFC.com. November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
107. ^ Mike Bohn (February 9, 2025). "UFC 312 post-event facts: Sean Strickland breaks longtime striking record in defeat". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
108. ^ UFC (February 9, 2024). "UFC Stats - All Fighters". ufc.com.
109. ^ a b c d UFC.com (December 16, 2023). "UFC Fight Stats - Middleweight Division". ufc.com.
110. ^ a b "UFC Light Heavyweight - Fight Stats". statleaders.ufc.com. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
111. ^ "20 Quickest UFC Turnarounds (Shortest Time Between Fights)". January 3, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
112. ^ UFC Staff (January 14, 2024). "UFC Honors President's Choice Awards 2023". ufc.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
113. ^ UFC Staff (December 23, 2023). "The Fighters - 2023 UFC.com Awards". ufc.com. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
114. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 20, 2023). "The Upsets - 2023 UFC.com Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
115. ^ Nolan King (January 6, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 2020 'Comeback Fighter of the Year': Sean Strickland wins big after accident". MMAjunkie.com.
116. ^ "MMA Junkie's 2023 Male Fighter of the Year: Sean Strickland". MMA Junkie. December 21, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
117. ^ Tyler Treese (December 25, 2020). "Sherdog's 2020 Comeback Fighter of the Year". Sherdog.
118. ^ Tucker, Bryan (December 5, 2024). "World MMA Awards 2024 results". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
119. ^ Sherdog.com. "Sean". Sherdog. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
120. ^ "UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland | MMA Event". Tapology.
121. ^ "UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis | MMA Event". Tapology.
122. ^ "UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 | MMA Event". Tapology.

## External links

[edit]

* Sean Strickland at UFC
* Professional MMA record for Sean Strickland from Sherdog

Awards and achievements

Preceded by

Israel Adesanya

|  14th UFC Middleweight Champion
September 10, 2023 – January 20, 2024  | Succeeded by

Dricus du Plessis

* v
* t
* e

UFC Middleweight Champions

* Dave Menne
* Murilo Bustamante
* Evan Tanner
* Rich Franklin
* Anderson Silva
* Chris Weidman
* Luke Rockhold
* Michael Bisping
* Robert Whittaker (ic)
* Georges St-Pierre
* Robert Whittaker
* Israel Adesanya (ic)
* Israel Adesanya
* Alex Pereira
* Israel Adesanya (2)
* Sean Strickland
* Dricus du Plessis (current)

* v
* t
* e

UFC Men's pound for pound Rankings

* 1. Islam Makhachev
* 2. Jon Jones
* 3. Ilia Topuria

* 4. Merab Dvalishvili
* 5. Dricus du Plessis
* 6. Magomed Ankalaev

* 7. Belal Muhammad
* 8. Alex Pereira
* 9. Alexandre Pantoja

* 10. Tom Aspinall
* 11. Alexander Volkanovski
* 12. Max Holloway

* 13. Sean O'Malley
* 14. Charles Oliveira
* 15. Arman Tsarukyan

|
|
|
|

Updated to 25 March 2025

* v
* t
* e

UFC Middleweight Rankings

UFC Champion:  Dricus du Plessis

* 1. Nassourdine Imavov
* 2. Sean Strickland
* 3. Khamzat Chimaev

* 4. Israel Adesanya
* 5. Robert Whittaker
* 6. Caio Borralho

* 7. Jared Cannonier
* 8. Roman Dolidze
* 9. Anthony Hernandez

* 10. Marvin Vettori
* 11. Brendan Allen
* 12. Paulo Costa

* 13. Reinier de Ridder
* 14. Michel Pereira
* 15. Roman Kopylov

|
|
|
|

Updated to 25 March 2025
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template