The MMA community somehow always knows what Sean Strickland is up to. The California-based American striker has built himself a reputation through his emphatic performances and impeccable show of heart and courage inside the Octagon. Outside of it, ‘Tarzan’ is infamous for his hot takes in his interviews, or appearances with influencers and podcasters. Breaking through the popularity charts, Strickland is a fan favorite for many reasons, one of which is his habit of trash-talking his opponent in the middle of a fight and even teaching them things.

Yet, one of the freshest reasons for his popularity is his putting a beating on influencers during his sparring sessions and teaching them a ‘lesson’ for not being humble. However, these antics could not stop him from becoming a former UFC middleweight champion and reaching rank #2 in the division after losing the title. While he fights influencers for fun, Strickland’s professional career might just have to take a backseat at the moment, as the 34-year-old  striker has yet again left his fans concerned with a possible head injury he sustained during his sparring session with a YouTuber named Nick Nayersina.

“So I just got done sparring. I got hit in the head quite a bit today and I realised it’s way more fun to spar influencers than it is to UFC fighters, but I guess that’s my job.”  Strickland explained through his IG story that he has suffered some heavy damage to his head, and obviously, a UFC fighter will do that more efficiently than an influencer, which seems to be the case here. The video gave you a Deja Vu, didn’t it? The video takes us back to last when an influencer named Sneako fought with Strickland and went forward to receive the worst beating of his life.

Strickland’s girlfriend, simply known to the public as ‘KJ’, recently spoke about the dangers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known by its abbreviation CTE. What’s more, unsurprisingly—given this is Sean Strickland—’KJ’ expressed fear of Strickland developing the condition and him taking it out on her because of it.

At UFC 312, against the champion Dricus Du Plessis, it was clear he had taken too much damage and in the fight. His injuries now seem to be catching up to a top-tier fighter such as Strickland who holds victories over the likes of Paulo Costa, Nassourdine Imavov, and even the modern middleweight great Israel Adesanya.

Strickland’s victory over Adesanya has been named as possibly the biggest upset in modern UFC history. He didn’t just beat the middleweight champion and UFC legend—he dominated and outclassed him, taking his championship belt while at it. Now, as ‘Izzy’ has eyed a return to the octagon with vengeance and redemption on his mind, he has chosen Sean Strickland to be his opponent in an attempt to get equal after the upset victory of Strickland.

Sean Strickland’s head injury may just ruin Israel Adesanya’s return to the octagon

While talking to the enigmatic David Goggins, Adesanya talked about his future as a fighter and what is next for him. The Last Stylebender told Goggins: “I told Hunter, I told my coach, ‘it’s time’. I have a feeling who I want to fight… I gotta get some get backs. Strickland. I’m gonna get him back.” Leaving Goggins with a similar reaction to that of any MMA fan, full of shock and excitement. Israel Adesanya is known for his vengeance-based mindset and how motivated he is when he’s backed against a corner. He plans to do what he has always done, coming out of adversity with style.

But Israel Adesanya‘s plans are on the verge of being halted—and if not that, then delayed. Sean Strickland’s history with head injuries and how much damage he’s taking has reached a debilitating point for the fighter. At a point where he might be on the brink of life-threatening injuries, both mental and physical, it’s a safer choice for Strickland to take a break from fighting and heal from the damage he has taken in the last few years. So the question still stands: will Strickland fight Adesanya? Or will Strickland’s injuries force him out of Adesanya’s revenge plan?

Although it would be upsetting for the whole MMA community, as no one would say no to this rematch, Strickland’s antics have reached a point where the fighter is damaging himself more than his opponents. Knowing how amazing Strickland is and the level of performances that he can put in, it is rather sad to see him in such a position.

Known for his hard-hitting and accurate striking, ‘Tarzan’ isn’t far from the title run. If he manages to beat Adesanya, we may see him clash for the 185-pound division title again. We surely cannot count him out against ‘The Last Stylebender’. What do you think? Will the ‘Izzy’-Strickland rematch go the same way? Or will Adesanya get his revenge? Let us know in the comments.