Sean Strickland posts controversial criticism of New York ahead of Newark fight

Sean Strickland published a controversial tweet criticizing New York ahead of his fight with Khamzat Chimaev in Newark, which is located just 35 minutes from Manhattan. Rather than engaging positively with the local area as athletes typically do before events, Strickland attacked the city and its residents. He called New York "a perfect example of what it means to be a Democrat" and labeled children, adults, and leaders as "pathetic." Strickland concluded by saying New York and most of its residents are "a disgrace to America," claiming they are either criminals or wealthy people without backbone.