Will Sean Strickland make the walk to the Octagon at UFC 312? That’s the biggest concern fans have with an event they don’t seem too happy about. What’s the concern? Strickland’s health at this moment, especially since he showed up to the pre-fight presser with what looked like a staph infection on his left arm. While ‘Tarzan’ looked chirpy at the press conference, dismissing questions about his ailment, his recent updates might give the UFC head honcho a sleepless night as we approach UFC 312.

According to a post by UPFRONT MMA, “Sean Strickland is experiencing health issues due to an infection. He is NOT hospitalized. A doctor is on scene, bedside monitoring him. The UFC is confident that he will make the walk tomorrow but how well will he be able to perform?”. Should we be worried about a last-minute pullout and replacement, or the card losing the main event altogether? It’s highly likely, since in the last PPV at UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of the bout against Islam Makhachev due to issues with his back as a result of weight-cut complications.

Let’s wind things back a bit. Ahead of the UFC 312 fight, fans noticed a huge staph infection on Sean Strickland’s left arm in a photo comparing him from his last title fight ot this one, raising concerns about whether the fight would take place. Dricus Du Plessis even reacted to it, mocking the middleweight title contender, “What? He grew taller and added staph infection to his arsenal… O sh*t!” How did Strickland respond? The fighter fired back at the champion for making excuses.

“I’m immune to staph. You see this f—– mustache? I give staph—I don’t f—– get staph. Calm the f— down. I don’t get sick, I don’t get f—— injured, and I don’t get f—– staph. So relax. I’m going to be out there on Sunday, and I’m going to come out f—– hard and strong. The hardest and strongest you’ve ever f—-’ seen. To the f—– death, Dutchman,” said Strickland at the UFC press conference.

Training through a staph infection is one thing, but the final moments of a weight cut could spell life or death for such an ailment. But knowing Strickland, he may make that walk to the Octagon to fight for the belt. At least, he’ll have a very good excuse if he loses the fight. Michael Bisping thinks Strickland will fight regardless of what he’s going through. Let’s see what he had to say.

Michael Bisping gives his thoughts on Sean Strickland’s staph infection

Sean Strickland’s denial of contracting a staph infection was dodgy at best, and it’s no surprise that the MMA community thinks there might be some truth to the rumors. Regardless, as far as we know, the former middleweight champion will fight this weekend but what about his performance? Will it be affected by his condition? Michael Bisping believes otherwise.

While having a conversation with Submission Radio, ‘The Count’ ascertained that he trusts in Strickland’s words to fight, “He denied it. If that’s what Sean says… I mean, the man wants to fight [and] I think the fight’s going to go ahead. I think Sean Strickland, his style, he has cardio for days, anyway. I’ve trained with Sean. He doesn’t really get tired. He can push the pace.”

If ‘Tarzan’ has a staph infection, two issues arise. First, he risks spreading it in a close-contact sport, which the UFC frowns upon. Second, fans may see it as a built-in excuse if he loses to the middleweight champion on Saturday. One way or another, Strickland will have to face the wrath of the MMA fans. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the hubbub? State your opinion in the comments below.