Sean Strickland posted a controversial tweet ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey, which is close to New York City. While fighters typically praise host cities and their hospitality, Strickland went in the opposite direction. He called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat," criticizing its children, adults, and leaders as "pathetic." Strickland declared that New York and most of its residents are "a disgrace to America," stating people there are "either a criminal or a rich pussy without a backbone." The tweet has generated significant attention given the fight's proximity to New York.
Sean Strickland is not taking the conventional approach to fight week promotion ahead of his middleweight title defense against Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey.
With the event set just across the Hudson River from New York City, the reigning UFC middleweight champion took to social media to deliver a sharp and politically charged broadside against the neighboring metropolis. Rather than offering the customary praise for the host region, Strickland described New York as "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat," condemning its children, adults, and leaders as "pathetic." He went further, calling New York and most of its residents "a disgrace to America" and characterizing people there as "either a criminal or a rich pussy without a backbone." The post has drawn widespread attention given how close Newark sits to the city Strickland targeted.
Strickland, 35, carries a 31-7-0 record and holds the UFC middleweight title fighting out of Xtreme Couture. The six-foot-one, 185-centimeter American is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and brings a 76-inch reach into the cage.
Standing across from him will be Khamzat Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates owns a 15-1-0 record and trains out of Allstars Training Center. Chimaev is six-foot-two and carries a 75-inch reach. His striking accuracy sits at a remarkable 60 percent, and he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete offensive threats in the sport.
Why it matters
- Strickland's title is directly on the line against the division's top-ranked contender
- A Chimaev victory would place the pound-for-pound number-ten fighter atop the middleweight division
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Strickland's high-volume striking against Chimaev's elite grappling and takedown pressure
- Strickland's social media post adds an off-cage storyline to an already high-profile main event
