Baysangur Susurkayev recounts sparring with Sean Strickland before Hernandez fight

Chechen fighter Baysangur Susurkayev shared details of meeting and sparring with Sean Strickland at the UFC Performance Institute. Strickland expressed respect for Chechen fighters during their encounter, calling them good fighters and worthy people. Susurkayev sparred with Strickland just two weeks before Strickland's fight with Hernandez, working at full intensity including hard leg kicks. Strickland never asked him to ease up despite the proximity to his fight, which Susurkayev contrasted with many American fighters who request lighter sparring even a month before their bouts. Susurkayev praised Strickland's toughness and character based on this interaction.