(Video) Sean Strickland Spotted Motivating Teammates with Dustin Poirier’s Controversial Catchphrase

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland hilariously takes shots at Dustin Poirier while forming a team huddle at the UFC PI.

(Video) Sean Strickland Spotted Motivating Teammates with Dustin Poirier’s Controversial Catchphrase

Sean Strickland uses Dustin Poirier's one-liner (via X)

Sean Strickland is one of the most controversial fighters on the UFC roster, known for a polarizing personality that constantly draws attention. While his behavior outside the cage sparks debate, his performances are reflected in his two-time UFC middleweight championship success. However, Strickland often trolls in training, hilariously referencing Dustin Poirier’s arrest footage during a session.

Poirier was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in June 2026 after an incident with airline staff and airport authorities. He was removed from a flight due to concerns over public intoxication. Officers later detained him on a misdemeanor public drunkenness charge. However, the former UFC interim lightweight champion was later released and publicly apologized for his behavior.

Strickland was recently seen training at the UFC Performance Institute during a preparation session with multiple fighters. The middleweight champion is managing a shoulder injury while continuing controlled training. He worked alongside young prospects, including Indian fighter Anshul Jubli. After the session, Strickland convened a team huddle and humorously referenced Poirier’s comments during his arrest.

Strickland’s comments referenced bodycam footage of Poirier’s arrest released by TMZ. In the footage, a visibly intoxicated Poirier is seen verbally abusing a police officer. The situation escalated before additional officers intervened and escorted the UFC veteran out of the Atlanta airport in handcuffs.

Colby Covington was also among those who took shots at Poirier following the arrest incident. ‘Chaos’ criticized Poirier’s drinking and arrest on Father’s Day and questioned their impact on his family’s image and his professional legacy. He also indirectly promoted his non-alcoholic beer brand in his remarks.

Poirier later addressed the incident by speaking about his mental health struggles and his intention to seek help after the arrest. The statement acknowledged personal challenges outside competition. Strickland has also spoken about mental health in MMA, linking it to his volatile and abusive childhood.

Strickland has often said he grew up in a violent household with an abusive father. He has described being beaten during his childhood in a strict and hostile home environment. The controversial star has also explained that these experiences shaped his hardened mindset and approach to MMA competition.

UFC legend Daniel Cormier has urged fans and fighters to support Dustin Poirier and focus on his Good Fight Foundation work. He highlighted Poirier’s impact through his charity. While Sean Strickland has trolled ‘The Diamond’, he is still understood to recognize Poirier’s personal struggles.

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Dagestani middleweight contender questions Sean Strickland’s championship credentials

Sean Strickland shocked the world at UFC 328 by defeating Khamzat Chimaev to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion. ‘Tarzan’ entered the fight as a major underdog at +430. The win marked a major upset and showcased how Strickland’s pressure-striking style overpowered the Chechen phenom.

Strickland has said he prefers not to fight outside the United States. He has cited travel and preparation issues as reasons for avoiding international UFC events. This has shaped parts of his discussions about the UFC fight schedule. He is currently one of two American male champions in the UFC.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (via New York Times)

Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov has rapidly climbed the UFC middleweight rankings with an undefeated start in the promotion. While he lost to Michael ‘Venom’ Page, the Dagestani star holds notable UFC wins over Marc-André Barriault and Armen Petrosyan. He is currently ranked #14 in the UFC middleweight division.

Magomedov defeated Michel Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC Baku in a controversial result.
The controversy stemmed from Magomedov’s eye pokes and hair-grabbing during the fight. When asked about Strickland, Magomedov gave a heated response toward the champion.

He’s like a domestic champion. Just a home boy who acts like a big hero in his gym. For example, if they invited him to Azerbaijan he wouldn’t come, because he’s scared. He won’t leave America. And if we had to fight, he would say, ‘Come to America,’ because he knows I can’t go there now. So he’s just a domestic champion.

Shara ‘Bullet’ Magaomedov via Red Corner MMA

Interestingly, Michel Pereira is also a training and sparring partner of Sean Strickland at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. The two are known for aggressive and unpredictable sparring sessions. It remains to be seen whether the middleweight champion responds to Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov’s recent insults.

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