UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland attacked his opponent Dricus du Plessis at a pre-fight press conference after du Plessis made comments about Strickland’s abusive childhood, a topic Strickland considers off-limits.
Sean Strickland, the UFC middleweight champion, is known for his candidness. He’s not one to hold back his thoughts, whether it’s during interviews, press conferences, or on social media. However, he does have his boundaries.
He recently lashed out at Colby Covington, a multi-time welterweight title challenger. Covington had insulted Leon Edwards‘ late father before UFC 296. Strickland’s reaction was similar towards his upcoming opponent, Dricus du Plessis.
A nasty incident occurred at a pre-fight press conference. Du Plessis yelled at Strickland, taunting him about his abusive childhood. The next day, Strickland retaliated physically at the T-Mobile Arena.
Strickland later addressed the incident on Theo Von’s podcast, “This Past Weekend”. He stated that certain topics are off-limits, including a man’s wife, children, and experiences of child abuse. He admitted that du Plessis’ comments had enraged him.
Strickland shared some of his traumatic childhood experiences. He recalled sleeping in his mother’s room out of fear that his father would kill her. He detailed one horrifying incident where he had to call the police on his father for attacking his mother.
Strickland often found himself trying to protect his mother from his abusive father. He recounted nights spent hugging his mother’s leg, listening to his father’s violent threats. This trauma affected his school life and led him to question the existence of God.
Strickland’s interview was punctuated by pauses as he collected himself. He explained that his childhood trauma has resulted in a simmering rage. Du Plessis’ trash talk about his past pushed him to the edge.
Strickland also revealed that he had bitten du Plessis during their altercation. However, he realized that such an action could land him in jail. The fighters were separated, and no arrests were made. UFC CEO Dana White later admitted that seating the fighters close to each other was a mistake.
Strickland believes that du Plessis’ comments crossed a line. He’s trying to move on but admits that some events are hard to get past. Despite his traumatic past, Strickland maintains a positive outlook on life, emphasizing his current happiness and financial success.