“It Could Have Changed His F***ing Life”- Sean Strickland Rips the UFC for Not Helping Stephan Bonnar

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland kick-started 2023 with a bang. The 31-year-old atoned for his close decision loss to Jared Cannonier at the end of 2022 with a win over Nassourdine Imavov in the first main event of 2023. With the win, Strickland ended his two-fight skid, courtesy of Cannonier and current middleweight champion Alex Pereira. Strickland recently appeared on ‘The MMA Hour’ and discussed his performance, a recent motorcycle accident, and his life outside the gym, among other things. He also mentioned the recently deceased UFC great Stephan Bonnar during the conversation.

The outspoken middleweight expressed his views on how the UFC could have handled things differently for an industry pioneer like Bonnar.

Sean Strickland said UFC could have been better to Stephan Bonnar

Sean Strickland reiterated the same thing he said in his post-fight interview at UFC Vegas 67 on ‘The MMA Hour’ also. He called himself “a f***ing company guy,” stated his love for the UFC, and mentioned his commitment to the company is not in question.

However, the 26-5 middleweight sounded off on how the UFC may not have done right by Stephan Bonnar. Strickland was of the opinion that the UFC should have given Bonnar a bigger piece of the revenue that he brought in for them.

“How much money do you think the UFC made off of Stephan Bonnar and Forrest Griffin, over the years, selling it… I’m not saying they have any obligation to give that pie to Stephan Bonnar… But if he had a piece of that pie, even a small piece, it could have changed his f***ing life.”

Prior to his death, the 45-year-old Bonnar had shared a video that saddened fight fans. The MMA icon looked like a shell of his former self and stated he was almost nearing the end of his life.

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Much like many of the fans, Strickland also felt Bonnar’s death deeply. He even gave his condolences following his win at UFC Vegas 67.

Strickland’s tribute to Bonnar at UFC Vegas 67

While talking to Paul Felder after his win at UFC Vegas 67, Strickland expressed his condolences for Bonnar and spoke about the plight of retired fighters.

“I want to give my condolences to Bonnar, man. The guy f***ing paved the way to this sport. And just remember us old, beat-up fighters, man. After we end this f***ing sport, we’re nobody. Usually broke. [We] don’t got sh*t going on for us. … It sucks teaching cardi-kickboxing class after a career in the UFC.”

Strickland’s comments shed light on how bad professional fighters have it after their careers. Such instances also highlight the issues of fighters’ pay and health care, which are heated topics of debate in the industry.

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What are your reactions to Strickland’s comments? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.