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Francis Ngannou has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and can now test free agency waters. Sean Strickland, who's not easily silenced, had a thing or two to say about Ngannou's exit.
Dana White stated at the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference that Ngannou turned down multiple UFC contract offers that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the organization's history. The promotion has therefore waived the exclusive negotiating window and the matching rights clause.
Sean Strickland, who trains alongside Francis Ngannou at the Xtreme Couture facility in Las Vegas, took multiple digs at the UFC following his victory over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Vegas 67. Speaking at the post-fight media scrum, Strickland stated:
"It's a damn shame to see Francis go. He's f**king iconic in the UFC. He's probably one of the greatest heavyweights we've ever had. It s**ks he parted ways but I hope him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f**king money."
Strickland added that if the fight against heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury does materialize, Ngannou will have accomplished the objective he has been pursuing for a long time:
"It s**ks that he leaves but if he can get that big money fight with Tyson... hats off to you Francis. Enjoy your go f**k yourself money."
Check out the clip below:
Earlier that same night, in his post-fight octagon interview, Strickland expressed his sorrow for the loss of Stephan Bonnar while also highlighting the need for improved fighter treatment:
"I want to give my condolences to Bonnar man. The guy f**king paved the way for the sport. With the old beat-up fighters man, after we're in this f**king sport, we're nobody. We're usually broke with nothing going on for us. So give support to these old dogs."
Catch Strickland's comments below:
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Sean Strickland explains why he spars Francis Ngannou
Sean Strickland is not afraid of a fight, as evidenced by his sparring videos. Multiple times in the past, 'Tarzan' has been spotted sparring with 'The Predator' Francis Ngannou.
The two have engaged in multiple rounds of sparring at the Xtreme Couture facility. Strickland has gone to the extent of implying that, for the proper price, he will face the Cameroonian despite the fact that he might get knocked out.
Speaking about what pushes him to engage in sparring sessions with one of the most feared athletes on the planet in an episode of Straight Outta The Lair with Flex Lewis, Sean Strickland stated:
"I have this insecure b**ch in me that sees f***ing Francis walk in the room, like he f***ing scares me, and I'm like, 'I want to f***ing fight you man. Even if you knock me out, I want to fight you."
Catch Strickland's comments below (15:00):
