“I’m working the judge,” Sean Strickland’s teammate reveals how easily fighter’s corner influence the judges

Sean Strickland's teammate gives insights on cornering tactics in MMA bouts.

“I’m working the judge,” Sean Strickland’s teammate reveals how easily fighter’s corner influence the judges

Chris Curtis and Sean Strickland swayed judges while cornering each other (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)

Sean Strickland became an unlikely champion in the UFC when he dethroned Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Even though he lost the title to Dricus Du Plessis, Strickland is a big star, particularly among the right wing. Despite his controversial persona, his best friend and teammate, Chris Curtis, is the exact opposite of Strickland.

Strickland and Curtis have cornered each other on numerous occasions. Under Eric Nicksick of Extreme Couture, the duo has grown exponentially as MMA fighters. Recently, Curtis revealed on a podcast that they have an unofficial role to play when they corner each other.

It's it's easy to influence judges too like exact it's so easy to influence...Now, yeah, Sean [Strickland] will take credit for this. When I corner Sean...I'm working the judge. I want the judge to hear me, and I want your opponent to hear me...My job isn't really to like get that. You know, I can be a backup there. My job is to talk to the judge. Yeah, my job is to talk to your opponent.
Chris Curtis via Culture Crooks Podcast
YouTube video

Interestingly, Chris Curtis revealed that due to his vocal presence in the corner, he got into a scuffle with Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Vegas 85. Curtis cornered Roman Dolidze, Imavov’s opponent. Moreover, Curtis had a history with Imavov as they fought at UFC 289, which ended in a No-Contest after an accidental clash of heads.

Curtis recently fought in the main event of UFC Vegas 90 against Brendan Allen. The duo had fought earlier when Curtis TKOed Allen. However, in the rematch, Allen won via split decision in a closely contested fight. Curtis injured his hamstring in the fight, which proved detrimental. Despite the injury, Curtis will likely corner Strickland for the UFC 302 PPV against Paulo Costa.

Sean Strickland engages in social media spat with upcoming opponent

Sean Strickland angled for a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis after he lost the title to the South African fighter. However, that did not happen. Moreover, the UFC booked a number one contender fight between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev for UFC Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, rumors speculate that the company will book a title fight between Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. In this scenario, Strickland accepted a fight with Paulo Costa.

Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa
Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa (Source: IMAGO)

At first, Strickland did not agree to fight Costa due to low remuneration. However, he accepted after a possible increase in pay. Moreover, Strickland posted a video on YouTube after he accepted the fight. In the video, Strickland vowed to ‘make Costa bleed‘ for Brazil. Nonetheless, he did state he liked Costa for his jokes. Funnily enough, Costa responded with a hilarious video post on social media.

In Costa’s video, he revealed he was half-Mexican while dancing to a Mexican theme and sent a stern message to his opponent. Strickland found the Brazilian’s video funny and responded with a ‘lmao‘ tweet on X. The victor of Strickland vs. Costa will likely enter the title picture. However, they might have to wait until Adesanya and the winner of Whittaker/Chimaev receive their title shot first.

In case you missed it!