Home/UFC

If there’s one thing you can count on when Sean Strickland opens his mouth, it’s that something outrageous is about to come out. Love him or hate him, the former UFC middleweight champ has built a career out of being the guy who says what’s on his mind, consequences be damned! But even the unfiltered ‘Tarzan’ seems to know when he’s gone too far, at least judging by his latest confession.

After sitting down for an interview with UFC media personnel Nina Marie Daniele, ‘Tarzan’ admitted on his Instagram story, “90 percent of it will be cut… Understandably so lol.” Meanwhile, Nina, who’s no stranger to handling big personalities, posted her own version of the story, “I hope you guys love this interview… because it’s probably my last LOL.”

We all know this American doesn’t have a filter, but this time, even he seems to realize he might have let loose a little too much. If 90% of an interview needs to be cut, what exactly did he say? Did he challenge a sitting world leader to a fistfight, maybe the Canadian Prime Minister?  Or did he reveal some long-lost UFC conspiracy theory? Did he, yet again, give his unsolicited thoughts on society? The fact that Nina, one of the more fearless interviewers in the MMA world, is joking about this interview costing her job says a lot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Moreover, this isn’t the first instance when Nina has been embroiled in such a controversy. Remember her being left spellbound by heavyweight juggernaut Tom Aspinall’s NSFW comments during an interview? Interestingly, Strickland uploaded a picture alongside the influencer with a contentious caption of his own, “What would it take, I got you @tomaspinallofficial #shocker” Well, things got even more discomfiting when Nina commented on the post. She wrote, “I’m an INNOCENT woman! This caption is wild Sean WTF.”

And Strickland being Strickland is exactly why people watch his interviews. He’s the guy who openly debates whether he should keep his job every time he speaks. He’s offended just about everyone at some point, from Megan Fox to entire demographics. The UFC knows this, his fans know this, and clearly, Nina knows this. Yet, she still walked into the fire. Brave? Absolutely. Wise? Let’s wait and watch.

The former champ’s ability to turn any conversation into a viral headline is a skill. Whether it’s declaring that his words need to be erased from history or picking fights (both verbal and physical) with fellow fighters, he’s built a reputation on unpredictability. And let’s not forget, this isn’t even his biggest controversy of the week, because his upcoming title rematch with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 is already stirring the pot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What’s your perspective on:

Is Strickland's unpredictability his greatest strength or his biggest downfall in the UFC?

Have an interesting take?

Is the bad blood boiling again before Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2?

After a razor-thin split-decision loss at UFC 297, Strickland has spent months arguing that he was robbed. But now, with a second shot at Du Plessis, the chaos is at an all-time high. First, he proposed a gentlemen’s agreement, no wrestling, only striking. Which, unsurprisingly, Du Plessis laughed off. Then, in true Strickland fashion, he backtracked on the whole thing. Classic!

For all his off-the-cuff remarks and wild antics, the American is still one of the toughest fighters in the game. His last fight with the South African was as close as they come, with Strickland landing more significant strikes but losing the decision thanks to six takedowns from the current champ. Now, Du Plessis is making it clear, this time, there won’t be a decision.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“I don’t see this fight going… there’s no way that we’re seeing the final bell,” Du Plessis said. “Defensively, Sean Strickland is one of the best fighters in the world.” And hey, defense is definitely his strong suit. Whether it’s in the Octagon or dodging the fallout from his latest controversy. The South African is gunning for a knockout, while Strickland seems more focused on landing verbal haymakers outside the cage. But maybe that’s the strategy, rattle cages, make it personal, and turn every fight into a spectacle before the first punch is even presented.

And that’s the thing about Sean Strickland, whether he’s fighting, talking, or just existing, he makes things interesting. His interview with Nina Marie Daniele will likely be a train wreck (in the best way), and his rematch with Du Plessis could be just as chaotic. Are you ready for a week with Strickland drama that won’t bore you? Let us know in the comments below!

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Strickland's unpredictability his greatest strength or his biggest downfall in the UFC?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT