“I thought it was a mugshot” – Controversial UFC champion Sean Strickland shocks MMA fans with surprising yearbook picture

Middleweight champion Sean Strickland often has the characterization of being candidly controversial. The fighter is unhinged in voicing his opinions, whether it be political views, sexual orientation, or even being critical of peers. His brazen openness often earns him the spot of being people’s favorite. Strickland next faces South African Dricus Du Plessis soon. Before that, the fighter released a photo from his younger days.

The middleweight striker from Toronto, Canada has seen a lot of change in appearance since the earlier years. Most notably being the loss of hair and added ruggedness. Sean Strickland took to X to post a Riverside County yearbook photo of him recently. The change in appearance has drawn in a variety of statements. One prominent reaction joked:

I thought it was a mugshot.

The 28-5-0 fighter last defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. In what has earned the label of being one of the biggest upsets in the history of UFC, Strickland thus went on to win his middleweight title. The latter is on a sabbatical after the subsequent loss, and overcompeting throughout the year. With this, Strickland is thus on a three-win streak.

Strickland makes his maiden title defense at UFC 297. Strickland vs. Du Plessis takes place at Scotiabank Arena In Toronto, Canada On Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. The fighter was also recently in the news for a trespassing incident at his residence.

Fans react to Sean Strickland’s yearbook photo

As of November, the former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion is also at #6 for pound-for-pound. Recently the fighter took to Twitter to upload a snap of a younger him. The picture shows a juvenile Strickland, with a very clear background. The photo has drawn many hilarious reactions. Some have even joked about it being similar to a mugshot.

Strickland was marred by a troubled relationship with his father and brought up by a grandfather with neo-Nazi ideologies. The fighter, outspoken and harsh, maintains an undeniable brash exterior and is yet a fan favorite. In light of that, an adolescent photo of the fighter has quirked some very amusing reactions in the fan community.

The original post, of Strickland himself, sees a comparison between him and a recent picture. The recent photo has him naturally more buffed up, holding his title belt. PFL signage, Derek Brunson has even joked about it with a comment of him morphing “from surfer to biker.”

In case you missed it:

• Dricus Du Plessis reveals series of home invasions as Sean Strickland’s gun-wielding controversy ignites
• “More immature mentally,” Rising contender Brendan Allen reveals what went wrong in his first bout against champion Sean Strickland

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