Sean Strickland’s transformation has sparked humorous reactions from fans and fellow fighters! ‘Tarzan’ is gearing up to defend his belt against challenger, Dricus Du Plessis, at UFC 297. The build-up to the fight has been marked by heated exchanges between the pair and even a brawl that took place during the UFC 296 event in December.

Strickland had shared a picture from his past that has caused the MMA community to react in amazement at the growth on display. While initially thought to be a ‘mugshot’ from his troubled youth, the middleweight champion clarified that the picture is not what the fans think it is.

Sean Strickland and his ‘mugshot’ causes a frenzy amongst fans

Sean Strickland has been candid about his rough childhood. Many know the fighter for being honest about the struggles he has gone through before he became a UFC fighter and eventually, a champion.

In his appearance on the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) podcast, Strickland openly discussed the traumatic experiences of growing up in a turbulent household. During the podcast, Strickland shared vivid and, at times, extreme stories from his past, giving listeners a glimpse into the unconventional path that led him to martial arts.

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As such, when he shared a picture from his childhood on social media, fans assumed it was a ‘mugshot’ from his past encounters with law enforcement. But the UFC champ clarified, “Riverside county year book photo lol”

The reveal caused a flurry of reaction from the MMA community online, who reacted with humor and amazement at the drastic changes on display!

Former UFC fighter Derek Brunson pointed out the change in Strickland’s appearance

Other fans took lighthearted jabs at Strickland by referring to ‘Rumspringa’, an Amish tradition.

But as mentioned earlier, fans also assumed that the picture was a ‘mugshot’

Fans also claimed that Strickland looked like he would get into trouble in his past

Others highlighted that Strickland looks much better now than he did before

But some fans humorously claimed that they couldn’t see many differences between the two photographs!

Others jokingly inquired what was Strickland ‘arrested’ for

The responses highlight the supportive and jovial atmosphere surrounding Strickland’s unique image, creating a moment of shared laughter among fans and fighters. In the end, the good-natured banter captured the spirit of the UFC community as they found humor in Strickland’s “mugshot” photo.

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And ahead of his upcoming title defense, Strickland’s mental fortitude has also received praise from a UFC ‘champ-champ’!

Strickland lauded for his mental focus by Daniel Cormier  

Daniel Cormier recently acknowledged UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland’s ability to maintain composure in the Octagon. Despite Strickland’s emotional responses and threats, Cormier believes the champ will stay focused and execute his game plan against Dricus Du Plessis.

Cormier emphasized that “Because we talk about all of the things from the past, some of the absurd things that he might say, but the moment he gets into the octagon stays the course.”

Cormier deems Strickland’s ability to separate emotions from his in-cage approach as a frequently overlooked aspect of his fighting prowess. Regardless of the buildup and emotional outbursts, Strickland, as demonstrated in his victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, is expected to maintain his tactical approach against Du Plessis in their upcoming title bout.

Read More: “Stopped Believing in God” – Sean Strickland Breaks Down While Opening Up to Anxiety Induced Due to Traumatic Childhood