Sean Strickland continues to attract attention, often for controversial reasons.
The former UFC middleweight champion has been sidelined since his title defense loss against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 earlier this year.
While taking time away from competing and contemplating his next career step, he has received callouts from fighters such as Israel Adesanya.
However, this past Sunday, Strickland was again in the headlines for an incident at a local Tuff-N-Uff show in Las Vegas.
Sean Strickland Involved in Post-Fight Altercation
The event featured Strickland’s teammate, Miles Hunsinger, facing Luis Hernandez in a middleweight bout on the Tuff-N-Uff 145 undercard.
The initial round saw competitive action from both fighters. However, controversy erupted in the second round when Hernandez engaged in verbal exchanges with Hunsinger`s corner, which included Strickland and fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis.
Approximately one minute into the round, Hernandez secured a standing guillotine choke, forcing a stop to the fight. During his victory celebration, Hernandez made an obscene gesture directed towards Strickland and Curtis.
Following this, the two UFC middleweights promptly entered the cage to confront Hernandez. Strickland quickly approached him and threw punches before being restrained and pulled away.
Strickland later addressed the situation on social media, alleging that Hernandez had used insults and attempted to provoke a physical confrontation.
Luis Hernandez Explains His Account of the Viral Incident
Hours after the event, despite the former UFC champion offering his perspective, Luis Hernandez shared his version of what happened.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Hernandez explained the build-up: “Well, f— man, we were in the fight and they were talking in the fight and there’s only so much we can take, this is entertainment, right, so he said some things and I said some things back and I guess he didn’t like what I said back.”
Hernandez elaborated on Strickland`s alleged comments: “He was talking s— saying I was tired, making fun out of me, I think he called me fat and I don’t take that lightly.” He admitted to his own response that triggered the physical reaction from Strickland. “Me, I said, ‘F— you Sean Strickland’ and then he punched me. He did but I’m still standing and still smiling… Hopefully I’ll be in the UFC soon,” Hernandez added.
At present, it remains uncertain whether Strickland will face disciplinary action for his conduct. There is a possibility that the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) could issue him a ban from cornering future events.
