Sean Strickland slammed over behaviour as young fan asked for photo
Sean Strickland has once again found himself at the centre of controversy. The former UFC middleweight champion is widely regarded as one of the most divisive figures in MMA.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Sean Strickland has once again found himself at the centre of controversy. The former UFC middleweight champion is widely regarded as one of the most divisive figures in MMA. His outspoken views on politics, immigration and social issues have repeatedly drawn criticism.
That reputation has followed him into fan interactions, where his behaviour often sparks strong reactions. A recent viral moment has only added to that perception. This time, it involved an interaction with a young fan that quickly spread across social media.
Sean Strickland criticised after video with young fan sparks backlash Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images Footage circulating online shows Strickland posing for a picture with a young girl. During the interaction, he repeatedly gestures for her to raise her middle finger towards the camera. The girl remains composed and does not follow his lead.
Instead, she stands still for a normal photo, prompting Strickland to eventually drop the idea and pose with his hand in his pocket. The clip quickly triggered backlash from fans online. Many questioned his behaviour, particularly given the age of the fan involved in the interaction.