UFC Fighter’s Controversial Take on ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Goes Viral

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland comments on the recent Minneapolis incident where an ICE officer shot a woman in public during a protest.

UFC Fighter’s Controversial Take on ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Goes Viral

Sean Strickland talks about the recent ICE operation chaos (via Yahoo Sports, NBC)

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Sean Strickland is one of the UFC’s most controversial fighters, known as much for his commentary as his accomplishments. While a former UFC middleweight champion, his views on gun laws and political issues regularly draw attention as he often uses social media to voice unfiltered opinions. His latest controversy followed a post linked to the Minneapolis incident involving an ICE officer shooting a woman.

Several prior incidents have shaped Strickland’s polarizing reputation within the UFC. He is widely known for his outspoken and often extreme pro-gun stance across public platforms. Strickland has openly carried firearms and repeatedly advocated for unrestricted gun rights. Those positions, combined with other controversial statements and actions, have kept him under sustained scrutiny online.

The Minneapolis incident occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation amid national scrutiny of ICE. An ICE officer shot and killed a woman, triggering investigations by federal and local authorities. Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the perceived threat level during the encounter. Strickland’s response framed the death around individual actions rather than enforcement conduct.

Darwinism in full effect.

Sean Strickland via X

Strickland’s comment referenced Darwinism, a concept rooted in the theory of natural selection. The term broadly describes how survival outcomes can be influenced by individual actions and adaptability. His post was made in response to a circulating video that showed a vehicle making contact with an officer. That framing suggested the actions shown in the footage contributed to the fatal outcome.

The Anaheim native has shared political opinions that go beyond sports into national debates. He has identified with conservative viewpoints and criticized liberal politicians on social media. At times, he has supported President Donald Trump but also said he might back some Democrats over certain Republicans. His commentary on policy and cultural issues undoubtedly keeps him in the spotlight.

In addition to his controversial opinions, Strickland was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in June 2025. The action followed an incident where he entered a cage and struck Luis Hernandez after the latter taunted Strickland’s teammate. He was fined $5,000 for the incident, and the suspension could be reduced to 4.5 months with completion of an anger management course.

Sean Strickland’s recent post highlights the broader influence high-profile athletes can have on public discourse. His framing of the Minneapolis ICE incident through Darwinism shifted attention from institutional accountability to individual behavior.

Combined with his history of political views and extreme pro-gun stances, the former middleweight champion’s commentary illustrates how fighters can shape debates far beyond the sport. The matter has not reached an immense amount of scrutiny for the UFC star, but he keeps finding himself in controversies during the early portion of 2026.

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland pulls a gun on Adin Ross’ stream

Sean Strickland’s last UFC Octagon appearance was in February 2025 at UFC 312, where he lost a rematch to Dricus Du Plessis. The fight, held in Sydney, saw du Plessis win by unanimous decision, leaving Strickland with a broken nose. Since then, he has remained out of competition and focused on social media. He has also been regularly seen socializing with influencers like Adin Ross and the Nelk Boys.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (via UFC)

Recently, Strickland appeared on Adin Ross’s stream, engaging casually with the team. At one point, he asked a friend about their ethnicity, and when they revealed they were Chinese, Strickland humorously showcased a gun strapped to his waist. The exchange was lighthearted in the footage, but quickly circulated online due to his notoriety.

While the moment appeared jovial, it connected to Strickland’s history of outspoken commentary about China and related geopolitical topics. He has previously criticized Chinese influence on American culture, politics, and institutions, linking it to trends he disapproves of in the US. These remarks reflect his broader pattern of unfiltered social commentary and political opinions.

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