Strickland doing construction 5 days before UFC 328

Reports circulating online suggest that Sean Strickland was spotted doing construction work just five days before his scheduled appearance at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark — a claim that, as of now, remains unconfirmed.

The footage or accounts quickly spread across MMA social media, drawing sharp reactions from fans and pundits who questioned whether the middleweight champion was treating his fight preparation with appropriate seriousness. Strickland has long embraced an unconventional approach to training camps, and this latest episode fits a pattern that has drawn commentary throughout his career.

Strickland, 35, holds a 31-7-0 professional record and currently sits atop the middleweight division as champion, representing Xtreme Couture out of the United States. The six-foot-one orthodox striker carries a 76-inch reach and is one of the busiest hands in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute at 42 percent accuracy. He is not a heavy grappler, averaging 0.71 takedowns per 15 minutes and just 0.2 submission attempts in the same window.

Why it matters

• Strickland is the reigning middleweight champion, meaning any hint of distraction in camp draws amplified scrutiny
• His high-volume striking style demands sharp timing and conditioning, making pre-fight preparation choices particularly consequential
• The unconfirmed nature of the report leaves room for Strickland's camp to push back before fight week concludes
• Strickland's history of unorthodox behavior makes it difficult to assess whether this represents a genuine preparation concern or simply fits his established character