Sean Strickland, eager to return after a suspension for attacking a fighter, won’t compete at UFC 325 in Australia due to insurance issues, and criticizes the inactivity in the middleweight division under champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Sean Strickland is itching to return to action. His suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission is nearly over, but he won’t be fighting at UFC 325 in Australia.
The former UFC middleweight champ faced a six-month suspension. This came after he jumped into the cage and attacked Luis Hernandez at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Vegas. Hernandez had just beaten Miles Hunsinger and taunted Strickland, who was coaching Hunsinger.
Despite the setback, Strickland seems unfazed. “Guys, my suspension is up in like 10 days, I’m so f*cking stoked!” he shared on Instagram. He admitted the suspension sucked but said he’d do it again to hit Hernandez.
“If a man tells you to do that, you’ve got to fight him,” Strickland insisted. “Cop or not, you’ve got to send it, so yeah, I’d hit that cop again.”
Interestingly, Hernandez, a deputy sheriff, didn’t pursue charges against Strickland. But Strickland served his suspension and is eager to fight again, though not in Australia.
“I said no to the Australia card,” Strickland explained. “Australia, I f*cking love you guys, but I don’t have medical insurance. I can’t give half my check for that.”
Strickland’s keen on fighting Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez in the States. “Let’s get this sh*t booked in the States,” he declared, emphasizing his American pride.
Anthony Hernandez is aiming for his ninth consecutive win. He was initially set for a No. 1 contender’s bout against Reinier de Ridder but had to withdraw due to injury.
A clash between Hernandez and Strickland seems likely in 2026, though nothing’s finalized yet.
Strickland hasn’t fought since losing to Dricus du Plessis in February. He’s eager to reclaim the belt, but sees little movement in the 185-pound division with Khamzat Chimaev as champion.
Strickland didn’t hold back, criticizing Chimaev for his inactivity post-title win. Chimaev plans to fight only after a minor surgery and observing Ramadan in 2026.
“The middleweight division’s on f*cking ice,” Strickland lamented. He mocked Chimaev’s schedule and suggested the division’s stagnation.
Strickland even mused about moving to the 205-pound division. “The middleweight belt doesn’t exist anymore,” he quipped, expressing frustration with the current state of affairs.