Sean Strickland posted a harsh critique of New York City on social media ahead of his bout with Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey. The fight will take place in Newark, which is only 35 minutes from Central Park. Instead of complimenting the local area as athletes typically do before events, Strickland called New York "the perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and stated that children, adults, and leaders there are all "pathetic." He concluded by saying New York and most of its residents are a disgrace to America, claiming people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without principles. The post represents a departure from standard pre-fight promotional rhetoric.
Sean Strickland used his social media platform this week to launch a pointed attack on New York City in the days leading up to his middleweight title defense against Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey.
Rather than offer the kind of goodwill gestures fighters typically extend to host cities before major events, Strickland called New York "the perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and described the city's children, adults, and leaders as "pathetic." He went further, stating that New York and most of its residents are a disgrace to America, characterizing the population as either criminals or wealthy people without principles. Newark sits roughly 35 minutes from Central Park, making the geographical dig a deliberate one.
Strickland, 35, is the reigning UFC middleweight champion, carrying a 31-7-0 record into the bout. The Xtreme Couture product stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and throws at one of the division's higher volumes, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," enters as the No. 1 ranked middleweight and the No. 10 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC rankings. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates holds a 15-1-0 record and trains out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden. At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev blends elite striking accuracy — 60 percent — with an overwhelming grappling attack, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same span.
Why it matters
- The middleweight title is on the line, with the division's top-ranked contender challenging the reigning champion
- A Chimaev win would make him champion and elevate his pound-for-pound standing; a Strickland win would cement his place at the top of the division
- The style contrast is stark: Strickland's high-volume striking output meets Chimaev's elite takedown rate and finishing ability on the ground
