Former UFC women’s featherweight title challenger Megan Anderson has voiced her opinion on the situation surrounding Sean Strickland and his comments on the LGBTQ+ community.
Earlier this week, Strickland participated in a media day interview for his UFC 297 main event fight against Dricus du Plessis. Per usual, the middleweight world champion had several controversial things to say, leading to heated debates amongst the MMA community.
During the media interview, Strickland was asked about past comments he’s made about the LGBTQ+ community. The 32-year-old’s response set social media on fire, as he heavily insulted the reporter while reiterating his homophobic views.
“You’re a weak f*****g man, dude. You’re part of the f*****g problem. You elected Justin Trudeau. You’re just f*****g pathetic and the fact that you have no f*****g backbone as he shut down your f*****g country and seize back accounts? You ask me some stupid s**t like that? Go f**k yourself. Move the f**k on, you f*****g coward.”
Strickland’s statement received attention from people worldwide, including Megan Anderson, who had this to say on Twitter:
“I understand from a journalist pov asking these types of qns and not shying away from these topics, etc. However, when you have someone like Sean who is confrontational, at times volatile, and has very polarizing beliefs, maybe don’t give him a platform asking these qns”
All controversy aside, Sean Strickland looks to secure his first world title defense on Saturday, January 20, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. To do so, Strickland must take out Dricus du Plessis, who has continued to silence the doubters by establishing a 6-0 UFC record.
Check out Strickland’s comments and Anderson’s response below:
I understand from a journalist pov asking these types of qns and not shying away from these topics, etc.
However, when you have someone like Sean who is confrontational, at times volatile, and has very polarizing beliefs, maybe don't give him a platform asking these qns 🤷🏻♀️ https://t.co/8fikDV0kH5
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) January 17, 2024
Fans react to Megan Anderson’s comments about Sean Strickland and the UFC 297 media day situation
Fans had mixed reactions to Sean Strickland’s media day comments. Some people agreed with Strickland’s opinions, while others lost respect for what he had to say. When Megan Anderson shared her point of view on Twitter, the comment section was filled with various responses:
“Whatever your thoughts on Sean, this is a press conference for a fight. Ask him a question about the fight. They aren’t promoting a debate or a political rally. They are promoting a fight. That’s my only issue.”
“He knows asking Sean those questions is going to result in a wild answer and will get clicks and views.”
“These types of questions have no business in the fight game. Those reporters know exactly what they’re doing”
“These losers get press passes to ask questions about how Sean made someone feel? LMAO he’s right this world is full of weak men now. This is the fight biz. Ask the man about the fights.”
“But that’s exactly WHY they ask that”
“Agree or Disagree the man is still entitled to his opinion. Especially because hes the one being asked they question. Just because you don’t agree with that doesn’t mean you should de platform the guy.”
Instead of focusing on the controversy, Sean Strickland is locked in for his upcoming fight with Dricus du Plessis. According to Bovada, Strickland is listed as a -118 betting favorite, while Du Plessis is a slight underdog at -102.