Baisangur Susurkayev shared details of his meeting and sparring session with Sean Strickland at the UFC Performance Institute. Strickland expressed respect for Chechen fighters, calling them skilled and honorable. The two sparred just two weeks before Strickland's bout with Hernandez, with Susurkayev landing hard leg kicks at full power. Despite the proximity to his fight, Strickland never asked to ease up or be more careful, contrasting with many American fighters who request lighter sparring even a month before their bouts. Susurkayev praised Strickland's character and toughness, noting he calmly completed all rounds without complaint. The interview highlights Strickland's warrior mentality and respect for Caucasian fighters.
Baisangur Susurkayev has opened up about a sparring session with middleweight champion Sean Strickland that took place at the UFC Performance Institute, recounting an encounter that left him with a strong impression of the American fighter's toughness and mentality.
Strickland, who fights out of Xtreme Couture, currently holds the middleweight title and carries a professional record of 31-7-0. The 35-year-old from the United States stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and is known for his relentless pressure and high output, averaging 6.04 significant strikes landed per minute. His orthodox stance and forward-moving style have made him one of the most durable and active fighters in the 185-pound division.
Susurkayev recounted that the sparring took place just two weeks before Strickland's bout with Hernandez, a window when most fighters dial back their intensity. According to Susurkayev, that was not the case here. He described landing hard leg kicks at full power throughout the session, yet Strickland never asked him to ease up or take it easier on him. Susurkayev noted that many American fighters will request lighter work even a month out from a fight, making Strickland's willingness to push through at full intensity stand out.
Strickland also reportedly expressed genuine respect for Chechen fighters during their meeting, calling them skilled and honorable, a sentiment that clearly resonated with Susurkayev, who praised the champion's character in addition to his toughness.
Why it matters
- The account reinforces Strickland's reputation as one of the most durable and mentally tough fighters in the middleweight division.
- Training camp preparation and sparring habits offer insight into how the champion maintains his high-volume, pressure-based style heading into fights.
- Susurkayev's firsthand perspective provides a rare outside look at Strickland's work ethic inside the UFC Performance Institute.
