Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland recently addressed the incident at Tuff-N-Off 145 where he attacked the cage and struck an opponent. Strickland, along with his teammate Chris Curtis, confronted Miles Hunsinger after Hunsinger was submitted by Louis Hernandez. Following the fight, Hernandez made a provocative gesture towards Strickland and Curtis, which led the two fighters to retaliate by attacking the cage and landing punches on Hernandez before security stepped in. The three fighters, all from Xtreme Couture and longtime allies, had a tense interaction outside the cage after the match. Strickland explained on Instagram that Hernandez’s disrespectful gesture left him no choice but to respond, emphasizing that as a man, he couldn’t ignore such provocation.
This altercation could lead to disciplinary action from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, though no official statement has been made yet. Strickland has not competed since his rematch with Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312, an event that also featured a cageside brawl between the two. Strickland’s career has been marked by several controversies, including road rage incidents and sparring disputes. UFC president Dana White has remained silent on the recent event but has criticized Strickland in the past. With his future fight schedule uncertain, this incident adds another layer of complexity to Strickland’s career trajectory.
Fan Take: This incident underscores the intense emotions and rivalries that fuel MMA but also raises concerns about sportsmanship and professionalism in the sport. For fans, it highlights the unpredictable drama that makes fight promotions compelling, but for the sport itself, it serves as a reminder of the need for discipline and respect both inside and outside the cage.
