Sean Strickland calls New York 'disgrace to America' ahead of UFC 328

Sean Strickland posted a harsh criticism of New York City and New Jersey on social media ahead of his UFC 328 fight in Newark. Despite the bout taking place near New York (about 35 minutes from Central Park), Strickland went against the typical athlete practice of praising the host city. In his tweet, he called New York 'the perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat' and criticized its children, adults, and leaders as 'pathetic.' He stated that New York and most of its residents are 'a disgrace to America,' adding that people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without backbone. The comments represent an unusual approach to fight week promotion.