Sean Strickland Suspended Following Post-Fight Altercation
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been sidelined from competition after a heated incident involving another fighter. The 34-year-old has received a suspension and financial penalty following a confrontation that took place earlier this year.
Strickland, who shocked the MMA world nearly two years ago by dethroning Israel Adesanya, has remained a prominent figure in the sport. After losing his title to Dricus du Plessis and suffering a second defeat in their February rematch, Strickland picked up a win over Paulo Costa last June. But his latest headlines stem from actions outside the cage.
While cornering teammate Miles Hunsinger at a Tuff-N-Uff event in June, Strickland reacted aggressively after Hunsinger was submitted by Luis Hernandez. Following Hernandez’s post-fight taunts, Strickland entered the cage and physically confronted him, throwing punches in front of the crowd. Fellow Xtreme Couture fighter Chris Curtis also joined the fray, though only Strickland was caught on camera engaging in violence.
As a result, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) issued Strickland a six-month suspension and fined him $5,000 plus legal costs. However, the ban could be reduced to four and a half months if he completes an anger management program.
“He took responsibility and apologized,” said NSAC chairman Dallas Haun. “We value accountability and were able to reach a resolution quickly.”
Curtis, meanwhile, was fined $1,860 but avoided suspension.
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