Former UFC Champion Sean Strickland Faces Consequences for Unsanctioned Cage Fight originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
UFC fighters are no strangers to controversy, and their misconduct often leads to disciplinary action from the organization or athletic commissions. From betting scandals to public brawls, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has repeatedly stepped in to enforce penalties, ranging from fines to multi-year suspensions. These incidents tarnish the sport’s reputation and bring up the need for professionalism outside the cage.
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is the latest fighter to face consequences for his actions, as the NSAC handed him a suspension for storming the cage and brawling with Luis Hernandez at a Tuff-N-Uff 145 event, according to a report from MMA Fighting.
The incident occurred after Hernandez defeated Strickland’s teammate, Miles Hunsinger, via second-round submission and taunted Strickland and his training partner, Chris Curtis.
Strickland, who was serving as a licensed cornerman, rushed into the cage with Curtis and threw punches at Hernandez before security intervened.
The suspension, which remains temporary, could include additional fines or an extended ban from cornering or competing in Nevada. The next commission hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, July 23.
Strickland wasn’t the only one penalized for the post-fight melee. UFC veteran Chris Curtis, who joined Strickland in confronting Hernandez, recently revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that he received a fine from the NSAC, though he avoided a suspension.
Watch the full interview here:
“Nevada did kind of come down on us. It’s one of those things where they understand how the situation got out of hand, but they also said that it was unacceptable,” Curtis told Helwani.
He then admitted, “I got a punishment for it, Sean got punished for it, so at that point, you have to take your lickings and you can’t really argue.”
This isn’t the first time Strickland’s temper has landed him in hot water. Known for his unfiltered persona and confrontational behavior, the former champion has a history of volatile incidents outside the Octagon.
The UFC president and CEO, Dana White, has not commented on Strickland’s suspension as of now.
The NSAC has consistently taken a hardline stance against misconduct, as seen in recent suspensions for fighters like Dennis Buzukja, who was banned for nine months after an altercation with a fan at UFC 310, or Arman Tsarukyan, who was fined and suspended following his assault of a fan during his walkout at UFC 300.
The commission clearly does not tolerate physical confrontations outside of competition, whether with opponents, fans, or fellow fighters. Strickland’s case reinforces this precedent, showing that even established stars are not exempt from repercussions.
Related: UFC Star Sean Strickland Storms Cage and Brawls With Fighter Who Beat His Teammate (Video)
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
