Why Has Former UFC Champion Sean Strickland Been Suspended?

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has found himself in trouble with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after an incident at a regional MMA event earlier this summer. Strickland, who was cornering teammate Miles Hunsinger at a Tuff-N-Uff card in Las Vegas, stormed the cage after Hunsinger’s opponent Luis Hernandez taunted and celebrated with obscene gestures. Strickland threw punches at Hernandez while fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis also entered the cage and grabbed Hernandez by the neck.

The Suspension and Fine

Following a formal review, the NSAC handed Strickland a six-month suspension from competition in Nevada, which will run until December 29. He was also fined $5,000 along with $157 in legal fees. However, there is an option for the suspension to be reduced to four and a half months if Strickland successfully completes an anger management course approved by the commission. This means he could potentially return to competition as early as mid-October. Curtis was not suspended but was fined $2,500, charged equivalent attorney fees, and issued a reprimand for his involvement.

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Why the Commission Acted

Although Hernandez, the fighter on the receiving end of the attack, made it clear he did not want Strickland punished, the NSAC stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and fighter safety. Chair Dallas Haun acknowledged Strickland’s cooperation and willingness to accept responsibility, but emphasized that such behavior cannot go unchecked in order to protect the integrity of the sport.

Final Thoughts

Strickland’s suspension highlights how quickly emotions can boil over in mixed martial arts, even for experienced fighters. While his actions were sparked by provocation, the NSAC’s response shows a clear line has to be drawn when it comes to fighter conduct. For Strickland, the path to redemption is open—if he takes anger management seriously, he could return to action in the fall and move past the incident with a valuable lesson learned.