Former UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland has once again stirred controversy with his latest homophobic comments. Strickland, known for his provocative statements, is set to face current champion Dricus du Plessis in a highly anticipated title rematch at "UFC 312" on February 8. True to form, Strickland has chosen to use inflammatory language to hype the upcoming fight.
In a recent Instagram post, Strickland challenged du Plessis to keep their fight a striking-only contest. He stated, “Listen Dutchman, I’m going to need you to be a f**king man, and I’m gonna need you to stand up, not go to your knees, and we’re gonna need to stroke like men. I know you like to wrestle and you like to f**king choke people out and do some gay sh*t, dude, but I’ll make a pact with you. You make a pact with me that we stand up like men and we settle this sh*t like men.”
Strickland’s comments have once again highlighted his penchant for using derogatory and homophobic language. Despite his history of xenophobic and hateful remarks, the UFC has yet to curb his behavior, allowing him to continue using such language under the guise of "free speech." This incident is just another example of Strickland weaponizing hate speech to garner attention and create buzz around his fights.
Strickland's rhetoric is not new to those who have followed his career. He has consistently used homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of hate speech to maintain his controversial reputation. This pattern of behavior has drawn criticism from many quarters, yet he faces no significant repercussions from the UFC. Dana White, the UFC president, seems to have given Strickland a pass to say whatever he pleases, as long as it generates publicity.
Strickland’s words drew a response from his opponent, du Plessis, who firmly rejected the challenge to agree to his terms. Du Plessis retorted, “There are no pacts between Lions and men,” dismissing Strickland's attempt to dictate the conditions of their fight. However, the focus remains on Strickland’s troubling use of language rather than the actual fight dynamics.
The issue with Strickland’s remarks goes beyond mere shock value. It underlines a deeper problem within the sport where such hateful language is tolerated and even exploited for promotional purposes. This not only alienates LGBTQ+ fans but also sends a troubling message about the inclusivity of mixed martial arts as a sport.
Strickland’s comments are often met with frustration and disappointment, but they also reveal the laziness in relying on homophobia as a tool for self-promotion. Rather than articulate any meaningful discourse, Strickland resorts to outdated insults that do little more than provoke and offend.
The UFC’s reluctance to address this behavior raises questions about its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all athletes and fans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By not holding fighters accountable for their words, the organization risks alienating a significant portion of its audience and perpetuating a culture of intolerance.
While Strickland may view his comments as a means to an end in terms of promoting his fights, the real impact is much broader. It fosters an environment where hate speech is normalized and marginalized communities are further sidelined. The responsibility lies not only with Strickland but also with the UFC to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
For those watching the ongoing saga of Sean Strickland, it’s clear that his approach is neither new nor innovative. It’s a tired narrative that speaks more to his limitations than to any bravado or showmanship he might claim. As the fight approaches, fans and commentators alike must decide whether such rhetoric deserves a platform or should be met with widespread condemnation.
In the words of a political figure Strickland seems to admire: “Sad.” Yet, it’s not just sad—it’s a call to action for the UFC and its supporters to demand better from their athletes and the organization as a whole.
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