Sean Strickland slams New York ahead of Newark fight vs Chimaev

Sean Strickland posted a harsh critique of New York on social media ahead of his upcoming fight with Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey. Newark is close to New York City, roughly a 35-minute drive from the arena to Central Park. Rather than courting local fans as fighters typically do, Strickland called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and described its children, adults, and leaders as "pathetic." He concluded by calling New York and its residents "a disgrace to America," adding that people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without backbone. The inflammatory comments have drawn attention in the lead-up to his bout with Chimaev.