SUMMARY
- Sean Strickland gets backlash for his homophobic comments
- ESPN refuses to issue statement on Sean Strickland's controversial comments
Sean Strickland has always made some ridiculous statements throughout his UFC career. And ever since he has become a UFC champion a lot more fans have their eye on Strickland.
Let it be his comments about his troubled childhood or his views on women in the workforce, Strickland‘s polarising comments can upset many UFC fans. And that’s what happened when a reporter confronted the middleweight champion about his past comment.
Long before Sean Strickland won the UFC middleweight title, he made a homophobic statement. When a fan asked the UFC champion if he would rather have a gay son or a th*t daughter, Strickland had an upsetting response.
If I had a gay son I would think I failed as a man to create such weakness….. If I had a whore for a daughter I’d think she just wanted to be like her dad lol!! https://t.co/QlfKlpUnWr
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) December 27, 2021
Sean Strickland bashed the reporter who brought up his past comment during UFC 297 media day and even went on an anti-LGBTQ rant that pissed off many fans.
“10 years ago, to be trans was a mental f–king illness. And now, all of a sudden, people like you have f–king weaseled your way in the world. You are an infection. You are the definition of weakness. Everything that is wrong with the world is because of f–king you,” Strickland stated.
What did ESPN and UFC think about Sean Strickland’s anti-LGBTQ comments?
As per USA Today, ESPN has refused to comment on the Sean Strickland controversy that has taken the MMA world by storm. ESPN commented: “I’d suggest you speak with UFC since Strickland is a UFC employee and they handle athlete relations.”
Simple as that. Keep the kids innocent. #seanstrickland pic.twitter.com/u2qSqI3Lay
— Christian Memije (@memijechristian) January 18, 2024
On the other hand, Dana White is yet to issue a statement over the whole situation. However, angry fans asking to strip or punish the UFC middleweight champion will be disappointed.
Dana White has been very supportive of UFC fighters expressing their views irrespective of how controversial that can be. Even if he does not agree with Strickland’s comments it’s unlikely that Dana White will take major actions amid fan backlash.
Who is the reporter who got into an altercation with Sean Strickland?
It was MMAFighting’s Alexander K Lee who brought up Sean Strickland’s homophobic comment from the past during UFC 297 media day. Some fans criticized him for attacking Strickland with a question that would turn fans against him.
However, many fans and other journalists such as Ariel Helwani supported Alexander K Lee after his back and forth with the middleweight champion. Following the heated moment, Lee tweeted:
Have received so many amazing and positive messages since yesterday’s media day. I am grateful
Most importantly, I’ve heard from people in the LGBQT+ communities who don’t have a platform to share their thoughts & concerns
These are the voices we need to listen to & amplify ❤️
— Alexander K Lee (@AlexanderKLee) January 18, 2024
Sean Strickland defends his title against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297, who is unbeaten in UFC.