TLDR
- Sean Strickland claims the UFC pressured him to fight Dricus du Plessis while injured
- Strickland suffered a shoulder fracture from a motorcycle accident before the rematch
- The former champion called the UFC his ‘pimps’ and said declining wasn’t a realistic option
- The rematch loss has affected Strickland’s position in the middleweight title picture
- Strickland says he felt trapped between losing his title shot or competing while hurt
Sources: Sherdog | Sports Illustrated (via MMA section) | Sherdog (feature aggregation)
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says the promotion pressured him into accepting a rematch against Dricus du Plessis despite suffering from a serious shoulder injury. The outspoken fighter has gone public with his account of the circumstances leading up to the bout.
Strickland used strong language to describe his relationship with the UFC, referring to the organization as his “pimps” in statements about the situation. He claims he felt he had no realistic option to decline the fight within the UFC’s structure.
According to reports, Strickland was dealing with a shoulder fracture sustained in a motorcycle accident prior to the rematch. The injury occurred during his training camp, leaving him compromised heading into the championship bout.
Despite his physical condition, Strickland says the UFC applied strong organizational pressure for him to accept the fight. He maintains that turning down the opportunity was never a viable choice given how the promotion operates.
Sean Strickland reveals that he went into the Dricus Du Plessis fight compromised with a broken shoulder from a motorcycle accident…
“Before the Dricus fight, I was riding [my motorcycle] with Axell Hodges, and I broke my shoulder. I was in Colombia getting stem cells on my… pic.twitter.com/qb7QeutTwo
— West Till Death (@WestTillDeath) January 9, 2026
The Rematch and Its Aftermath
The rematch between Strickland and du Plessis carried high stakes for the middleweight division. Strickland had previously held the title before losing it, making the bout a crucial opportunity to reclaim championship status.
The fight’s outcome has reshaped the middleweight title picture. Strickland’s loss while injured has affected his position in the division and his path back to championship contention.
Strickland’s claims add to ongoing conversations about fighter treatment in the UFC. The issue of whether fighters feel compelled to compete while injured remains a recurring topic in mixed martial arts.
The former champion has been vocal throughout his career about various aspects of the sport. His willingness to speak openly about his experiences sets him apart from many fighters who remain silent about behind-the-scenes dynamics.
Fighter Leverage in Championship Bouts
Strickland’s account highlights the limited leverage fighters may have when offered title shots or high-profile matchups. Championship opportunities are rare, and fighters often face pressure to accept them regardless of circumstances.
The UFC has not publicly responded to Strickland’s specific allegations about pressure tactics. The promotion typically does not comment on individual fighter disputes or internal negotiations.
Strickland’s shoulder injury reportedly required time to heal properly. Fighting before full recovery can lead to further damage and impact long-term career prospects.
The timeline between the motorcycle accident and the scheduled fight date left Strickland with limited recovery time. He says he felt trapped between withdrawing and potentially losing his title shot or competing at less than full capacity.
Other fighters have previously spoken about similar pressures in the sport. The balance between career advancement and physical health remains a difficult decision for competitors at all levels.
Strickland continues to compete in the middleweight division following the rematch. His recent statements about the circumstances surrounding the du Plessis fight mark his most detailed account of what happened behind the scenes.
