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via Getty

via Getty

Fighters and the UFC have a love and hate relationship. Over the past two decades, the UFC has seen some of the most electrifying and exciting fighters in all of MMA. Sean Strickland has repeatedly proven that he belongs in that bracket. His skills as a fighter are not only considered elite, but his flair for being a showstopper and an entertainer is clear as day. 

During the UFC Vegas 47 press conference, Sean ‘Tarzan‘ Strickland had a lot to say. His comments highlighted what his stance as a fighter was and what he meant to the UFC.

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In explicit fashion, he exclaimed, “I obviously think that I’m a f**king pr**titute for the UFC…They give me money, but I’m not going to sit here and wear a suit and think I’m anything other than just a dogfighter.” 

Also Read: “How Many for You Not to Make One” – Sean Strickland Makes Fun of Paige VanZant

I love my job. I love what I get paid. But come on now, we’re not doing anything special. You guys watch this. We’re like a f**king circus. We’re like por**graphy. It’s something you like, you want to j*rk off to you, but you don’t necessarily want to do.” 

The press conference was a classical verbal exchange over who feared what skill-set. With ‘Tarzan’ going off about his striking prowess that scared Jack Hermansson, the latter responded to him, stating that Strickland was scared to grapple with him.

How did Sean Strickland fare in his last fight? 

UFC title fights are usually the ones that rack in the most amount of views. They consolidate the hype around fights like no other. UFC fight nights are pivotal in setting up lower-ranked fighters for a title shot. Strickland vs Hermansson was one such fight.

It was a test of both skill-sets (striking and grappling). With all the back and forth regarding Strickland’s reluctance to grapple, it might have come as a surprise to ‘The Joker’ to witness Strickland’s strength once he got back to his feet after Hermansson’s first-round takedown.

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via Imago

Rounds three, four, and five were a clean sweep on Strickland’s part, in which he showcased his powerful and precise striking game. Although ‘Tarzan’ won the fight by a mile, the official result was a split decision.

WATCH THIS STORY – Five Potential Opponents For Israel Adesanya After His Victory Over Robert Whittaker at UFC 271

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With the middleweight division looking stagnant, fans are feeling a monotonous carpet when it comes to fights. Only Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori came close to posing a challenge to the current middleweight king Israel Adesanya. With them falling short twice, Sean Strickland is on a path to a title shot.  

While fans love trash talk in the fight game, they adore talent that can back up their words. Sean Strickland is one of those fighters. As the middleweight division is clearly lacking in its potential for entertainment, Sean Strickland might just have the “It” factor to make the division much more entertaining.