“You have a paycheck more than most” – Sean Strickland SAVAGELY responds to UFC commentator Jon Anik for making comments about toxicity of MMA fanbase

Sean Strickland takes a jab at UFC commentator Jon Anik for his remarks about toxic MMA fans and his wish to leave the sport.

“You have a paycheck more than most” – Sean Strickland SAVAGELY responds to UFC commentator Jon Anik for making comments about toxicity of MMA fanbase

Sean Strickland criticizes UFC commentator Jon Anik for his comments regarding MMA fans (via Imago/MMA Fighting)

UFC commentator Jon Anik recently mentioned abandoning his role as a play-by-play commentator in UFC events. As per Anik, this happened due to the growing toxicity among MMA fans. Anik is known for his brilliant fight analysis and his accessibility and connection with fans. However, he vented his fury on the Anik and Florian Podcast after receiving criticism on social media. This came after he revealed his scoring of the UFC 297 main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.

Anik has been the UFC’s voice since his debut as a commentator in January 2012. He emphasized the hostility and disrespect he sees, particularly after close fights. This is what he had to say:

I am growing tired of this MMA space a little bit, and just the morass of negativity when there is a close fight. I don’t know how much time I have left in this MMA space, because if I go do pro football, like, I’m not necessarily going to be dealing with this lowest common denominator all the time.
Jon Anik via The Anik and Florian
YouTube video

Dricus du Plessis defeated champion Sean Strickland via split decision to win the UFC middleweight championship. After getting rude remarks on social media, Anik expressed his opinions on the poisonous character of certain MMA fans. He understood not agreeing with his take but the toxicity was too much.

FS Video

Anik stated that he was instructed to avoid communicating with such people. However, he emphasized the difficulty of ignoring remarks since much of his job is delivering correct information. The analyst also voiced concerns about potential prejudice among fans. 

Sean Strickland hits back at Jon Anik

Sean Strickland reacted to Jon Anik’s recent statements about perhaps quitting his position as an analyst due to toxic fans. Anik expressed unhappiness with the criticism he experienced from certain fans, which pushed him to consider a career shift.

Sean Strickland berates Jon Anik for threatening to leave his position as a commentator
Sean Strickland berates Jon Anik for threatening to leave his position as a commentator (via BJ Penn)

In contrast to the positive sentiments of many spectators and fighters, Strickland had a different take on the situation. Taking to X, Strickland questioned Anik’s depiction of MMA fans as the “lowest common denominator.” Strickland noted that fans are an important reason why people like Anik get paid. This is what he said:

What id say to Jon Anik calling mma fans" The lowest common denominator." These people are way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most...  Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA....Also you guys are a bunch of savage cunts.. I'm here for it.....
Sean Strickland via X

The fighter’s response comes during his continuing quest for a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis. He claimed the title was stolen from him in their most recent fight. Strickland’s words provide a unique viewpoint on the connection between MMA fighters, analysts, and fans.

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