Sean Strickland posted harsh criticism of New York on social media ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey. The bout will take place at Prudential Center, located approximately 35 minutes from Central Park. Instead of the typical pre-fight pleasantries about the host city, Strickland called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and criticized its children, adults, and leaders. He declared that New York and the majority of its residents are "a disgrace to America," stating people are either criminals or "rich pussies without a backbone." Strickland's comments represent an unusual approach to promoting a fight in the New York metropolitan area.
Sean Strickland took an unconventional approach to fight week promotion, using social media to unload a string of sharp criticisms directed at New York City ahead of his middleweight title defense against Khamzat Chimaev at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Rather than offer the customary praise for the host region, Strickland called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and took aim at the city's children, adults, and leaders alike. He declared New York and the majority of its residents "a disgrace to America," characterizing people there as either criminals or, in his words, "rich pussies without a backbone." The venue sits roughly 35 minutes from Central Park, placing the fight squarely in the New York metropolitan area.
Strickland, 35, holds the UFC middleweight championship and carries a 31-7-0 record into the contest. The American, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and lands an aggressive 6.04 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 42 percent.
Standing across from him will be Khamzat Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," the number-one ranked middleweight and number-10 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates holds a 15-1-0 record and trains at Allstars Training Center in Sweden. At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Chimaev brings a 60 percent striking accuracy and an elite grappling game, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same span.
Why it matters
- Strickland's title is on the line against the division's top-ranked contender
- Chimaev's takedown volume poses a direct challenge to Strickland's high-output striking style
- The social media controversy adds an unusual backdrop to what is already one of the most anticipated middleweight title fights in recent memory
