Even the UFC appeared tired of listening to Sean Strickland after UFC Houston.
Strickland’s microphone was abruptly cut off and his post-fight press conference was ushered to a premature end late Saturday night in a rare sight following Strickland’s victory over Anthony Hernandez in UFC Houston’s main event.
Advertisement
Strickland, who stopped Hernandez via third-round TKO to reenter middleweight title contention, spoke for roughly seven minutes at the event’s post-fight press conference, during which he made numerous homophobic and profane remarks, including proclaiming, “I’ll make fun of gays any chance I get.” This was, of course, nothing new for Strickland. The 34-year-old American has made courting controversy his brand throughout his rise in the UFC, with his press conferences often spiraling into outlets for him to rant against social issues of the day and spew hate speech toward various marginalized groups.
Shortly before Strickland’s press conference Saturday, UFC CEO White called the former middleweight champion’s outbursts “a nightmare,” but bafflingly blamed the media for baiting Strickland into venturing into topics like Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl 60, despite Strickland walking into that territory of his own accord with a deeply homophobic rant at UFC Houston’s media day this past Wednesday.
Advertisement
And, at least this time, it appeared as if the UFC had enough.
Following numerous Strickland-esque rants, the former champ closed an answer to a question with:
“These motherf***ers are so boring in this sport. These guys have no personality. You have Colby [Covington], the pretend Republican. But like, who’s really entertaining? You’ve got Chimaev, the f***ing goat f***er.”
At that, members of the UFC’s public relations staff appeared to swiftly shut down the press conference, ending Strickland’s time despite the former champ’s obvious desire to continue fielding questions.
In case there was any doubt, Strickland microphone was cut off mere seconds later.
Strickland nonetheless continued speaking to the assembled media for another 35 seconds, admonishing UFC staff — “Relax! UFC motherf***er.” — and ranting further about a fight against Chimaev.
Advertisement
On the UFC’s live press conference feed, none of Strickland’s remarks could be heard.
Strickland’s victory over Hernandez at UFC Houston puts the former champ at 2-2 over his past four Octagon appearances.
The former champ entered the bout as the promotion’s No. 3-ranked middleweight, meaning that despite the controversies that continue to follow him, he will likely be in line for a big fight next.
