“Most American thing ever” – UFC champ Sean Strickland giving away signed AR-15 gun ahead of Canadian PPV card has fans in shock

Fans react to Sean Stricklan's gun giveaway in the lead-up to UFC 297.

“Most American thing ever” – UFC champ Sean Strickland giving away signed AR-15 gun ahead of Canadian PPV card has fans in shock

Sean Strickland, at 'The Gun Store' (Source: YouTube, @UFC, UFC 297 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 1)

UFC returns for its first pay-per-view in 2024. And the ever-popular “Embedded” fight week video series chronicles what goes on behind the scenes. UFC 297 will take place on Saturday at the Scotia Bank Arena in Toronto. Following the prelims on ESPNews and early prelims on ESPN+, the main card will air on pay-per-view. 185lbs champion Sean Strickland makes his maiden defense against 20-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC Dricus Du Plessis.

With three back-to-back wins in 2023, “Tarzan” earned the MMA Junkie’s 2023 Male Fighter of the Year award. Along with this, the 28-5 striker has been engaging in a long feud with the South African phenom, Du Plessis. But the fighter is now viral for a whole other reason. The “Embedded” series has the gun-toting Strickland doing a sitdown with Maxx Crosby. Later, on his IG account, the fighter announced a gun giveaway (an autographed Armalite rifle-15).

YouTube video

A prominent reaction read – “Most American thing ever, signed gun as a giveaway.“ Even the video sees Strickland’s manager Lance Spaude gifting him his custom rifle with a gold rail and upper. Strickland’s fascination with firearms is no new news. Valentina Shevchenko‘s range-day challenge to Strickland had recently garnered much traction.

FS Video

Another fight fan lauded the brazen gun promotion as the apt way to ‘promote a Canadian PPV card.‘ Strickland’s unhinged demeanor often earns him the sentiment of being a true ‘American champion‘ and even the people’s champion. Case in point – his commentary blaming Viking’s decline from warriors to urban hillbillies on feminism. And this time it’s no different.

Fans react to Sean Strickland’s gun giveaway before title defense

Sean Strickland is known for his dauntingly brazen outlook. The fighter does not shy away from voicing his overt opinions on matters of sociopolitical issues, stances on sexualities, or even judging other peers. Accordingly, his antics earn him much traction amongst MMA pundits and enthusiasts.

Fans react to Sean Stricklan's gun giveaway, before UFC 297
Fans react to Sean Stricklan’s gun giveaway, before UFC 297 (Source: Twitter)

Now, with him hosting a rifle giveaway mere days away from his maiden defense has earned similar reactions. Check out what a few fans have said on the matter:

https://twitter.com/FightAggregator/status/1746924209249407467?s=20

Accordingly, some fans have quipped that the fighter would not even do a background check before distributing the prize. Concurrently, one fan wrote that this aligns with his behavior, in the most ‘Strickland’ fashion possible.

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