Strickland sparred full power with Sususrkaev two weeks before Hernandez fight

Baysangur Susurkaev recounted a sparring session with Sean Strickland at the UFC Performance Institute. According to Susurkaev, Strickland expressed respect for Chechen fighters during their encounter. The sparring took place just two weeks before Strickland's bout with Hernandez, with Susurkaev working at full power and landing hard leg kicks throughout the session. Despite the proximity to his fight and the intensity of the sparring, Strickland never asked Susurkaev to reduce power or take it easy, contrasting with many American fighters who request lighter sparring weeks before competition. Susurkaev praised Strickland's toughness and character for completing all rounds without complaint.