SUMMARY
- In a recent tweet shared by Strickland, he sarcastically expressed his views on China.
- Although disagreeing, Song was respectful in his reply and requested that Sean not make such uninformed comments.
Sean Strickland is an American mixed martial artist and the newly crowned UFC Middleweight Champion. The ‘Tarzan’ surprised the whole world after defeating the former Champion Israel Adesanya dominantly at UFC 293. Most of the fans and sports pundits had counted Strickland out, going in as a complete underdog. Sean is also a former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion.
The Middleweight Champion has always been outspoken and vocal about his opinions. May it be against fellow UFC fighters, celebrities, or political events. In a recent tweet shared by Strickland, he sarcastically expressed that China has made its biggest exports in the form of plastic and COVID-19. This remark didn’t sit well with Chinese UFC bantamweight fighter Song Yadong.
Hey champ, I respect your skills as a fighter, but we should be talking facts, not baseless stereotypes. As athletes, we ought to focus on what we know best and avoid making unfounded comments. Let’s set a good example, alright?”
— Song Yadong (@SongYadongLFG) January 6, 2024
Although disagreeing, Song was respectful in his reply and requested that Sean not make such “uninformed comments”. He retweeted, “Hey champ, I respect your skills as a fighter, but we should be talking facts, not baseless stereotypes. As athletes, we ought to focus on what we know best and avoid making unfounded comments. Let’s set a good example, alright?”
Song Yadong first complemented Strickland’s skills and later shared how athletes should be careful before making such comments on an international platform. The 26-year-old fighter was born in Heilongjiang, China, and being a proud Chinese fighter and representing his country, he found the accusations from the Middleweight Champion to be offensive.
Song Yadong’s response to Sean Strickland receives no support
The MMA community didn’t react well to Song Yadong defending China on the matter of COVID-19. Many users claimed it was pushed by the fear of the Chinese government and the lack of freedom of speech. One user wrote, “This is America Song. We get to say what we want here” while another wrote, “My man protecting that social credit score”.
Although very few did side with the Chinese fighter, some suggested it may be due to the language barrier and American humor. Some users were even furious that China still wasn’t ready to accept their role in the pandemic breakout. One user stated, “Let’s talk about facts. Let’s talk about the lab in Wuhan that had the leak and spread COVID around the world?”
This social media backlash would certainly impact the 26-year-old Western fan following, which was well behind him during his rise. People were open in showing their support for Sean Strickland, with one sharing, “Sean was speaking facts”. The Middleweight has not yet replied to Song and is often known for his dark humor and extreme but straightforward views.
Song Yadong last faced Chris Gutiérrez at UFC Fight Night 233, winning via decision. Strickland is about to make his first title defense against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Song is scheduled to face Petr Yan at UFC 299. Both would be crucially important matches for the fighters’ careers, and fans would be looking forward to how they would perform in the octagon.