Sean Strickland criticizes New York ahead of Newark fight

Sean Strickland posted harsh criticism of New York City on social media ahead of his fight against Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, New Jersey. Newark is located very close to New York, approximately 35 minutes by car from the arena to Central Park. Rather than building goodwill with local fans as fighters typically do, Strickland called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and described the city and its residents as "a disgrace to America." He stated that people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without backbone. The post notes this is unusual behavior compared to how athletes normally engage with host cities.