UFC legends back Sean Strickland amidst ‘hate-piling’ after brutal UFC 312 performance: “Did he do bad?”

Two notable legends of the UFC defend Sean Strickland's fight performance at UFC 312 last weekend after overwhelming criticism.

UFC legends back Sean Strickland amidst ‘hate-piling’ after brutal UFC 312 performance: “Did he do bad?”

Sean Strickland facing a lot of criticism due to his UFC 312 fight performance (Image via UFC)

Former UFC champion Sean Strickland clashed against Dricus Du Plessis at the UFC 312 PPV event last weekend. Interestingly, while there were many expectations surrounding Strickland, he couldn’t keep up with his performance. As a result, the American fighter eventually drew a significant amount of criticism towards him.

Recently, UFC legends Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen were announced as the coaches for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Just a few hours ago, they participated in the first media panel discussing the event. Considering it has been less than a week since the conclusion of UFC 312, both Cormier and Sonnen were also asked about Sean Strickland’s fight performance.

Did he do bad? I was proud of his effort…he can stay out there for another 12 minutes taking an a**-whooping because it was honorable, or he could quit. He chose to stay in there and take an a**-whooping.

Chael Sonnen via The Ultimate Fighter 33 media-day interview
YouTube video

Following his defeat against Dricus Du Plessis last weekend, Strickland faced a wave of criticism from the public. Alongside this backlash, several prominent analysts and MMA veterans took jabs at the American fighter. However, amidst the criticism, a few individuals chose to defend the former UFC middleweight champion. Similarly, Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen also expressed their support for ‘Tarzan.’

Sonnen and Cormier argue that the criticisms of Strickland’s determination are unfounded. They believe that outcomes do not always align with one’s intentions. In Strickland’s situation, despite his calls for a fierce battle at UFC 312, he chose to hold back. Both Sonnen and Cormier supported this decision. A key reason for their support was Du Plessis’s impressive performance against Strickland at UFC 312.

Brendan Schaub brings up a name for Sean Strickland’s next potential opponent

Sean Strickland is a veteran in the UFC. His impressive career has been marked by both successes and challenges. Despite these ups and downs, Strickland elevated his status by becoming the UFC middleweight champion at UFC 293. To earn the title, ‘Tarzan’ successfully neutralized one of the dominant fighters in the 185 lbs division, Israel Adesanya.

Sean Strickland in action against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293
Sean Strickland in action against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 (Image via Imago)

Interestingly, the two also shared a fierce rivalry characterized by intense exchanges. Consequently, many prominent figures in the UFC community are eager to see a rematch between Strickland and Adesanya. After Dricus Du Plessis, former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub has also called for another bout between Strickland and Adesanya.

He [Strickland] is a character. But that style doesn’t attract, you know, it’s not making him a pay-per-view star. It’s his character which is why everyone wants to tune in and watch. Style is not selling tickets. So now what you do with them, I see not anytime soon, but I’d like him and Izzy to fight again. They’re kinda both at a crossroads. I don’t think either of them are going to beat the young lions.

Brendan Schaub via The Fighter and The Kid Ep. 1062
YouTube video

Interestingly, much like Strickland, Adesanya’s recent performance in the promotion has not been impressive. Most recently, the Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter experienced his third consecutive defeat at UFC Saudi Arabia, where he faced rising prospect Nassourdine Imavov. Schaub also highlighted that both Strickland and Adesanya might struggle against these emerging UFC middleweight fighters.

Related: Why does Israel Adesanya hate Monster Energy? Is there a villain in this UFC lore?