Sean Strickland posted a controversial tweet criticizing New York and New Jersey ahead of his UFC 328 fight in Newark, just 35 minutes from Manhattan. Rather than engaging in typical pre-fight promotion praising the host city, Strickland called New York "the perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat." He attacked the city's children, adults, and leaders as "pathetic" and described New York and its residents as "a disgrace to America." Strickland stated people are either criminals or "rich weaklings without a spine." The inflammatory comments represent Strickland's characteristically provocative approach to fight promotion and his willingness to antagonize local audiences.
UFC 328
Saturday, May 9, 2026
