Strickland insults New York ahead of Chimaev fight in Newark

Sean Strickland posted a controversial tweet insulting New York and its residents ahead of his fight against Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, which is located just 35 minutes from Central Park. Rather than engaging in typical pre-fight promotion praising the local area, Strickland called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and stated that "children are pathetic, adults are pathetic, leaders are pathetic." He went on to declare that "New York and the overwhelming majority of its residents are a disgrace to America," adding that "you're either a criminal or a rich pussy without a backbone." This inflammatory statement stands in stark contrast to how athletes typically court favor with local audiences before major events.