Sean Strickland’s recent footage of him breaking down on Theo Von’s podcast has gone viral lately. “Tarzan” is one of the most controversial fighters on the roster, known for his outspoken and unfiltered personality. However, his willingness to discuss his traumatic childhood and his troubled relationship with his father has earned him a lot of respect from the fans. 

In a recent episode of Shak MMA, Strickland’s coach, Erik Nicksick, sat for a candid conversation with the host, Shakiel Mahjouri. During the interview, Nicksick shared his thought process regarding the controversy and how the champion dealt with the emotions. 

Sean Strickland’s coach and his team helped him deal with the controversy

Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis recently appeared at the promotion’s seasonal press conference. Tempers soon took a turn after the 29-year-old South Africa pointed out the champion’s childhood trauma. The pair got into a brawl the next day at UFC 296, and it was very evident that the comments did not sit well with the champion. Strickland’s coach not only helped the champion prepare for his fight but also helped him deal with the controversy.

During the interview, Nicksick said: “He has really leaned on us. He’s leaned on his team. Uh, he got a little emotional today after practice because it was his last part at Xtreme Couture. And the words that he said only thing that really translates to me is that he has a family now. You know the way that he said it, and you know I don’t want to give away what he said. But um the just that I got was you know I have a home thank you guys for giving me a home. Um, and I think that’s where a lot of people misunderstand. I guess him for a lot of things. For lack of better words.”

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The current middleweight champion will look to keep his emotions aside when he enters the Octagon on Saturday against the number one contender, Dricus Du Plessis. With Nicksick in his corner ‘ Tarzan’ seems well equipped for the challenge of ‘Stillknocks.’

Sean Strickland ready to defend his title against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297

This Saturday, ‘Tarzan’ is ready to defend his middleweight title as a part of the UFC headline. He will take on 190-pound juggernaut Dricus Du Plessis, who carries South African people’s hopes. While ‘Stillknocks’ enters the fight, dreaming of winning the title it will be a tough challenge for the 29-year-old when he takes on Strickland for the first time in his career. ‘ Tarzan’ will also enter the fight with much vengeance after being mocked by the challenger at the seasonal press conference.

UFC 296 witnessed the pair going against each other while sitting in the crowd, thus highlighting the magnitude of the battle. However, things will be entirely different when they take center stage on Saturday. Both fighters have come off convincing victories in the previous fights at UFC 293 and UFC 290, respectively. As 2024 features its first title defense, will Sean Strickland be able to beat Dricus Du Plessis? Let us know in the comments below.

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