Sean Strickland posted a harsh criticism of New York on social media ahead of his fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Newark, which is located near New York City. Rather than the typical promotional approach of praising the local area, Strickland tweeted that New York represents the worst of Democratic values. He called the city's children, adults, and leaders "pathetic" and described New York and the majority of its residents as a "disgrace to America." Strickland stated that people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without principles.
Sean Strickland is not taking the conventional promotional route ahead of his middleweight title defense against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Newark, choosing instead to light up social media with a pointed attack on the city just across the state line.
The reigning UFC middleweight champion took to Twitter to air grievances about New York, describing it as emblematic of the worst of Democratic values. Strickland called the city's children, adults, and leaders "pathetic" and labeled New York and most of its residents a "disgrace to America," adding that people there are either criminals or wealthy individuals without principles — a far cry from the usual fighter-praises-the-host-city promotional formula.
Strickland, 35, represents one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute across a professional record of 31 wins and 7 losses. The American southpaw out of Xtreme Couture stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and has held the middleweight title through a run that has made him one of the most polarizing figures in the sport.
Standing across from him will be Khamzat Chimaev, ranked number one in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound. The 30-year-old competing under UAE colors and training out of Allstars Training Center carries a record of 15 wins and just one loss. Known as "Borz," Chimaev is a relentless grappler who averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts in the same span, while also connecting on 60 percent of his significant strikes.
Why it matters
- Strickland's title is on the line against the division's top-ranked contender
- A Chimaev win would vault the UAE-based fighter to championship status at 185 pounds
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Strickland's high-volume striking against Chimaev's elite grappling and takedown pressure
- Strickland's social media habits have repeatedly drawn attention beyond the fight itself, keeping him in the spotlight in the build-up
