“If you don’t like him, see him get punched,” Dana White responds to critics of Sean Strickland’s controversial LGBTQ speech

Dana White gives a fitting response to Sean Strickland's critics, asking them to 'watch him get punched in the face'.

“If you don’t like him, see him get punched,” Dana White responds to critics of Sean Strickland’s controversial LGBTQ speech

Dana White responds to Sean Strickland's critics (via Imago)

Dana White, the outspoken CEO of the UFC, addressed criticism of Sean Strickland’s contentious LGBTQ statement in a recent podcast interview. Strickland, known for his candid and often provocative words, has sparked debate both within and outside the MMA industry. This came after he had a heated argument with a pro-LGBTQ journalist during UFC 297 fight week. 

In the podcast with Vivek Ramaswamy, White addressed Strickland’s views. He stated that he disagreed with “95% of what he said.” However, Dana White emphasized Strickland’s right to voice his ideas, backing the fighter’s free speech. White’s approach exemplifies the notion of enabling combatants to express their beliefs, even if they are contentious or unpopular. This is what he had to say:

Sean Strickland said a lot of things. I don't agree with 95% of them, but it's his right to say it. And if you don’t like it, tune in on Saturday night. He is going to get punched in the face.
Dana White via interview with Vivek Ramaswamy
YouTube video

White’s claim that Strickland has the right to communicate his ideas is consistent with the wider concept of free speech. The interview spurred discussion regarding the UFC’s attitude to free speech and apparent anomalies in enforcement. 

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Dana White’s response to critics of Sean Strickland‘s contentious LGBTQ statement is wild. It shows the contradiction between the encouragement of free speech and the possible penalties for fighters who voice opinions. The balance between free speech and preserving a favorable image remains a key area of contention in the MMA community.

Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland sparked outrage with a profanity-laced statement against a reporter at a media appearance in Toronto. The event saw the fighter react furiously to questioning regarding his previous statements on LGBTQ issues.

Sean Strickland goes off on LGBTQ ally reporter
Sean Strickland goes off on LGBTQ ally reporter (via Imago)

During the conversation, the reporter brought up Strickland’s 2021 tweet. In this tweet, he stated that having a homosexual son would be a failure as a man. Strickland quickly ended the conversation and inquired if the journalist was gay. The reporter claimed to be an ally of the LGBTQ community, and Strickland then proceeded to berate him. He questioned his manhood and labeled him as part of the apparent problem.

The former champion’s comments also expressed strong opinions regarding Bud Light’s relationship with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Strickland said that being transgender was deemed a mental disease 10 years ago, calling it an “infection” and blaming it on everything wrong with the world.

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