UFC fighter Sean Strickland is facing criticism after allegedly urging a young female fan to make an offensive gesture while they were posing for a photograph together.
Strickland, known for his contentious presence in the world of combat sports, was interacting with fans at a UFC event on April 2 when the controversy unfolded.
A video that has since gained traction on social media shows the moment when the fan approached Strickland for a picture. Standing side by side, the UFC fighter began to strike a pose.
During the photo session, Strickland wrapped his arm around the fan and flashed a middle finger before suggesting she mimic his gesture.
The young fan appeared perplexed by Strickland’s suggestion and declined to follow suit. Unfazed, Strickland escalated the situation by raising both middle fingers in a bid to convince her.
Ultimately, the fan opted to stick with a ‘peace’ sign, while Strickland, realizing his efforts were in vain, lowered his hand and slipped it into his pocket.
UFC star Sean Strickland has come under fire for appearing to instruct a young, female fan to make an ‘inappropriate’ gesture while posing for a photo together
It didn’t take long for the video to go viral on social media, with many fans calling out the ‘weird’ and ‘inappropriate’ behavior from the UFC middleweight star.
‘Proud of this young person, way to stand on your principles,’ one user wrote on X.
‘It was one thing to ask once but he was like insisting on it,’ another said on the platform.
‘Trying to teach a little girl to give the middle finger? Strickland, that’s a bit outrageous… Luckily she didn’t listen to you, the peace sign is perfect!’ one wrote.
Another said: ‘I love how the little girl didn’t oblige. She stood for what she believes in. She has been raised well.’
‘Inappropriate. With that said, he doesn’t understand this because of his upbringing. Just because he was raised by animals doesn’t mean this child was,’ another said.
Back in February, Strickland once again ignited fury with a misogynistic and homophobic rant at a press conference in the build-up to one of his UFC fights.
The 35-year-old went on an unprompted rant about the NFL and Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show at Super Bowl LX, refusing to mention the rapper’s name.
‘Look at the NFL, dude. I don’t even want to say the f****t’s name because it’s just like, what, somebody give me his name,’ he said, calling out to reporters.
Strickland has become one of the most controversial combat sport stars
‘Come say his name, I don’t want to say it. You know what I’m talking about, the halftime show guy. The Puerto Rican, right? Puerto Rican.’
When someone eventually replied with Bad Bunny’s name, Strickland continued.
‘Yeah, that f***ing f****t. It’s so crazy that this is America now. Like, back in the day dude, the NFL was the f***ing standard of being a f***ing man.
And now every f***ing year, the NFL, I think they all get together around a table and say, ‘You know what, guys? How do we f***ing ruin this sport? How do we gay it up? How do we f***ing ruin it?
‘Well, I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we bring a gay foreigner who doesn’t speak f***ing English and have him perform it?’
He was promptly ripped on social media by former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. Sharing a clip of Strickland getting punched on the chin, he wrote: ‘Sean Strickland got hit so hard by a foreigner that he forgot Puerto Ricans are US citizens.
‘Not to mention that this misogynistic cry baby would get tossed like salad if he ever stepped foot on a football field in the NFL. Worry about not getting knocked out in your next fight.’
