SUMMARY
- Sean Strickland has a nickname called Tarzan.
- In the conversation, Sean was asked about the reasoning behind being called Tarzan.
Sean Strickland is an American mixed martial artist who currently fights in the middleweight division of the UFC. Strickland currently holds the belt for the undisputed Middleweight Champion of the UFC. A professional competitor since 2008, Strickland is the former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion.
Sean Strickland won the Middleweight title against Israel Adesanya by shocking the world at UFC 293. He is set to defend his championship against South African fighter Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 on January 20, 2024, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
With his eagerly anticipated bout right around the corner, fans have started discussing more about the American fighter. Many have started asking questions about how Sean Strickland got his often-used moniker, ‘Tarzan‘. Some even wonder why the UFC does not use it anymore when introducing the Middleweight Champ. For those who are unaware, Strickland was sobriquet ‘Tarzan’ in the UFC.
Some fans on Reddit have claimed that he was called ‘Tarzan’ as recently as the Jack Hermansson or Alex Pereira fight. But the reason as to why UFC has refrained in recent times from calling him might be quite simple. Reportedly, Sean Strickland himself doesn’t seem to be a fan of his nickname.
Why is Sean Strickland’s nickname ‘Tarzan’?
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland recognized for his outspoken and bold demeanor, has earned the nickname ‘Tarzan’. It’s a choice that diverges from more typical monikers like ‘The Notorious’ associated with UFC figures such as Conor McGregor. Despite the apparent mismatch, the 32-year-old from California explained the origins of his nickname back in 2009.
In a video shared by the MMA-focused Instagram account ‘Bloody Uppercut’ in September 2023, Strickland, with his then signature long hair, engaged in a conversation about his fourth professional fight. At that time, he held an undefeated record of 4-0.
In the conversation, Sean was asked about the reasoning behind being called ‘Tarzan’. Strickland revealed, “Long hair, I like to climb trees, and you know, [You like to brawl?] Yessir”.
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The disclosure sheds light on Strickland’s affinity for adventurous activities outside the confines of the octagon, drawing parallels to the fictional jungle-dweller created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. While some fans may now appreciate the correlation between his nickname and his offbeat interests, it’s noteworthy that the UFC Middleweight Champion himself isn’t particularly fond of the moniker.
Sean Strickland gave himself a new nickname after Tarzan
After adopting the moniker ‘Tarzan,’ Sean Strickland seems to have reconsidered his nickname preference. In a 2022 interview with ‘The Schmo,’ a prominent MMA coverage persona, Strickland confessed that he wasn’t fond of the ‘Tarzan’ nickname. Instead, he expressed a liking for the moniker ‘Hate’ and explained that he felt it better suited his personality.
In response to ‘The Schmo’s’ question about his current nickname, Strickland commented, “I don’t know, man. It doesn’t fit me, ya know? I’ve always liked ‘Hate.'” Despite his preference, the 32-year-old fighter acknowledged that ‘Hate’ might carry negative connotations, potentially impacting his public image.
He elaborated on the choice, stating, “But then again, that has some bad connotations, but I feel like it suits me. I’m kind of an angry motherf***er.” Interestingly, Strickland had justified the ‘Tarzan’ nickname in the past by citing his long hair as a significant factor. However, with a new look featuring significantly less hair (almost a bald look), he may find that fans are more accepting if he decides to embrace a different moniker.
It appears that Strickland is open to evolving his persona, searching for a nickname that truly resonates with his identity in and out of the octagon. If you could suggest a nickname for Sean Strickland, what would it be? Tell us in the comments below.