Sean Strickland claims he was pressured into Dricus du Plessis rematch while injured
Sean Strickland has never been one to soften his words, and his latest comments have once again put the UFC under an uncomfortable spotlight. The former middleweight champion has revealed that he felt pressured into accepting a rematch against Dricus du Plessis despite still recovering from a shoulder injury at the time.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Sean Strickland suggested that turning down the fight was never a realistic option. “You don’t say no [to the UFC],” Strickland said. “I was backed up into a corner taking that fight.” The remarks paint a picture of a fighter who believed compliance was expected, regardless of physical readiness.
Strickland’s comments have sparked debate among fans, particularly given the brutal nature of elite-level MMA. Fighting while injured is nothing new in the sport, but openly stating that pressure played a role adds another layer to the discussion around fighter autonomy and health.
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Pressure, power, and the cost of saying yes
The rematch with Dricus du Plessis came with massive stakes, but Strickland now suggests the timing worked against him. Shoulder injuries are notoriously difficult to manage, especially for a pressure-heavy striker who relies on volume and durability. Accepting a title-level fight under those conditions was always going to be a gamble.
Strickland’s comments also reflect a wider issue within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Fighters are classified as independent contractors, yet many feel the balance of power heavily favours the promotion. Saying no can risk stalled momentum, lost opportunities, or being passed over entirely.
While the UFC has not responded publicly to Strickland’s remarks, his honesty resonates with a reality many fighters have hinted at for years. Big fights come with big consequences, and declining them is rarely simple.
For Strickland, speaking out may be as much about accountability as frustration. Whether it leads to meaningful change is unclear, but his words have once again pulled back the curtain on the difficult choices fighters face when health, opportunity, and pressure collide.
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