Sean Strickland has launched a scathing attack on New York City ahead of his fight at UFC 328 in nearby Newark, New Jersey. In a recent tweet, Strickland 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 the majority of its residents are "a disgrace to America," claiming people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without backbone. The comments represent a departure from typical pre-fight promotion where athletes usually praise host cities. Strickland's inflammatory remarks come as he prepares to face Khamzat Chimaev at the Prudential Center, located just 35 minutes from Central Park.
Sean Strickland is not exactly rolling out the welcome mat for the city next door. The reigning UFC middleweight champion took to social media ahead of UFC 328 to deliver a pointed broadside against New York City, even as he prepares to compete at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey — roughly 35 minutes from Central Park — on May 9.
Strickland, 35, labeled New York "the perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" in a tweet, calling the city's children, adults, and leaders "pathetic" and describing the majority of its residents as "a disgrace to America." He characterized New Yorkers as either criminals or spineless wealthy people. The remarks stand in sharp contrast to the usual pre-fight custom of praising a host region. The American fighter out of Xtreme Couture carries a 31-7 record and lands an eye-catching 6.04 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the busiest volume strikers in the division.
Waiting across the cage will be number-one-ranked contender Khamzat Chimaev, nicknamed "Borz," who owns a 15-1 record and holds the tenth spot on the pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center is built around a suffocating wrestling game, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent.
Why it matters
- Strickland's middleweight title is directly on the line against the division's top-ranked challenger
- A Chimaev victory would install the pound-for-pound top-ten fighter as champion, reshaping the 185-pound landscape entirely
- The style contrast is stark: Strickland's volume boxing meets Chimaev's elite takedown pressure and submission threat, averaging 1.8 attempts per 15 minutes
- Off-cage controversy adds a layer of public attention to an already high-profile main event
Saturday, May 9, 2026
