Sean Strickland has slammed Jon Anik for his recent comments! Anik, the veteran UFC play-by-play commentator, recently expressed his frustration with the influx of negativity and disrespect from MMA fans. After the divisive result of the UFC 297 clash between Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, the fans took to social media to debate the rightful winner.

As such, Anik explained that fans flooded his social media with a flurry of negativity regarding his opinion that Du Plessis was the clear winner in the fight. He also claimed that he is “growing tired of this MMA space” owing to such fan responses. Subsequently, Strickland responded to his statements in a post that also highlighted his displeasure with the commentator’s claims and even offered him a choice to join the NFL!

Sean Strickland sides with fans against Jon Anik 

Jon Anik, during a podcast episode with former fighter, Kenny Florian, revealed his growing weariness with the MMA community’s hostility, particularly after closely contested fights. He highlighted the importance of presenting differing opinions respectfully and stated, “And when I go onto X or I go to our YouTube comments, it seems like a lot of these fans are just in attack mode. And I don’t know if these fans are casual fans or not.”

He also revealed the change in audiences if he were to take his talents to a different sport, “I’m not necessarily gonna be dealing with this lowest common denominator all the time.” 

However, Sean Strickland responded to his claims on social media by stating, “What id say to Jon Anik calling mma fans” The lowest common denominator” These people are way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most…  ..”

Strickland’s response to Anik’s claims further escalated the exchange as he proclaimed, “Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA…”   The incident adds a layer of tension to the aftermath of UFC 297, highlighting the challenges faced by commentators and fighters in dealing with fan reactions and the broader dynamics within the MMA community.

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In another post on social media, Strickland highlighted his thoughts on his recent title loss to ‘Stillknocks’ at UFC 297 and revealed he isn’t pleased with the result!

Strickland disputes his UFC 297 loss against Du Plessis 

In the aftermath of UFC 297, Sean Strickland’s initial congratulations to Dricus du Plessis for the closely contested split decision have taken a turn. Strickland, now the former UFC middleweight champion, took to Instagram to voice his perspective on the loss.

He stated, “The only reason why you took a round from me is because I couldn’t see. I won that fight, the world knows I won that fight.”

The severity of the cut was revealed in Strickland’s post, highlighting that stitches had to be made through muscle to close it! The accompanying video also showed the moment when Du Plessis’s head clashed with Strickland’s during an exchange, resulting in a cut over Strickland’s eye.

Strickland also insisted that the world knows he won the fight and emphasized that the belt awarded to Du Plessis doesn’t make him a true champion. The aftermath of UFC 297 not only highlights the physical toll of the fight but also sets the stage for a potential rematch down the line, as Strickland remains steadfast in his belief that he should be the true champion.

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