Who is Strickland's coach?

Last Modified Feb 2, 2025 10:19 GMT
Sean Strickland with team. [Image courtesy: @eric_xcmma on Instagram]

Sean "Tarzan" Strickland, an MMA fighter hailing from Anaheim, California, is a former UFC middleweight champion, having claimed the title from Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Strickland's rise in the sport has made headlines not just for his achievements but also for his controversial persona and difficult upbringing in an abusive household. Strickland began his professional career in 2008 with King of the Cage (KOTC), achieving an impressive 9-0 record. This streak led him to face Josh Bryant for the King of the Cage Middleweight Championship at KOTC: Unification on December 9, 2012. Strickland won the bout by split decision and went on to successfully defend the belt three times before moving to the UFC.

His UFC debut took place on March 15, 2014, at UFC 171, where he defeated Bubba McDaniel via a first-round rear-naked choke. Over the years, Strickland built a UFC record of 15 wins and 5 losses, eventually earning a title shot at UFC 293 against Israel Adesanya. Despite being the underdog, Strickland caused a major upset and claimed a unanimous decision victory to become the middleweight champion. However, Strickland's reign as champion was short-lived. He lost the belt in his first title defense to South African fighter Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 on January 20, 2024. Looking to bounce back, the American fighter is set to face du Plessis in a rematch for the middleweight gold on February 8, 2025, at UFC 312.

Sean Strickland's coach

Sean Strickland is coached by Erik Nicksick of Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts. Nicksick is from a family of sports coaches in Henderson, Nevada, and excelled as an all-state wide receiver at Green Valley High School. He played football for the Nevada Wolf Pack before transferring to Dixie State College, where he played two years for the Trailblazers, leaving due to multiple concussions.

Nicksick's coaching success includes helping Miesha Tate win the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship in 2016 and guiding Aljamain Sterling to the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2021. His most notable achievement was training Francis Ngannou to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2021 and defending it in 2022. He also helped Sean Strickland to victory against Israel Adesanya, securing the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2023.

Also Read: Sean Strickland's UFC Record

*Last updated on February 2, 2025.

FAQs On Who is Stricklands' coach?

A. Sean Strickland’s coach is Erik Nicksick.

A. Sean Strickland currently has a MMA record of 29-6-0, as of February 2025.

A. Sean Strickland is from Anaheim, California, United States.

A. Sean Strickland is ranked No.1 in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. 

A. Erik Nicksick has also been the head coach for Francis Ngannou, Miesha Tate, and Aljamain Sterling.

Related Stories

"The match is gonna be over pretty quick" - Tye Ruotolo eyes swift victory in world title defense vs Dante Leon "The match is gonna be over pretty quick" - Tye Ruotolo eyes swift victory in world title defense vs Dante Leon
"The match is gonna be over pretty quick" - Tye Ruotolo eyes swift victory in world title defense vs Dante Leon
WATCH: Relive Swedish knockout monster Zebaztian Kadestam's world title triumph ahead of ONE Fight Night 31 WATCH: Relive Swedish knockout monster Zebaztian Kadestam's world title triumph ahead of ONE Fight Night 31
WATCH: Relive Swedish knockout monster Zebaztian Kadestam's world title triumph ahead of ONE Fight Night 31
1d
WATCH: Thai slugger Kongthoranee Sor Sommai's collection of mind-bending KOs in ONE Championship WATCH: Thai slugger Kongthoranee Sor Sommai's collection of mind-bending KOs in ONE Championship
WATCH: Thai slugger Kongthoranee Sor Sommai's collection of mind-bending KOs in ONE Championship
1d
Ian Garry issues fiery warning after Carlos Prates win at UFC Kansas City, vows to bring world title back to Dublin and Brazil Ian Garry issues fiery warning after Carlos Prates win at UFC Kansas City, vows to bring world title back to Dublin and Brazil
Ian Garry issues fiery warning after Carlos Prates win at UFC Kansas City, vows to bring world title back to Dublin and Brazil
"I feel more challenged" - Denice Zamboanga opens up about her fearless approach to combat sports "I feel more challenged" - Denice Zamboanga opens up about her fearless approach to combat sports
"I feel more challenged" - Denice Zamboanga opens up about her fearless approach to combat sports
"She FaceTimed me" - Dana White reveals role in helping free ballerina Ksenia Karelina through Donald Trump- Vladimir Putin talks "She FaceTimed me" - Dana White reveals role in helping free ballerina Ksenia Karelina through Donald Trump- Vladimir Putin talks
"She FaceTimed me" - Dana White reveals role in helping free ballerina Ksenia Karelina through Donald Trump- Vladimir Putin talks
“I apply the same thought process” - Tye Ruotolo says innate confidence came from his parents’ support in their early BJJ career “I apply the same thought process” - Tye Ruotolo says innate confidence came from his parents’ support in their early BJJ career
“I apply the same thought process” - Tye Ruotolo says innate confidence came from his parents’ support in their early BJJ career
23h
WATCH: MMA legend Demetrious Johnson breaks down Masaaki Noiri’s mastery of the void in KO of Tawanchai WATCH: MMA legend Demetrious Johnson breaks down Masaaki Noiri’s mastery of the void in KO of Tawanchai
WATCH: MMA legend Demetrious Johnson breaks down Masaaki Noiri’s mastery of the void in KO of Tawanchai
1d
Theo Von pens heartfelt tribute to Anthony Smith as 'Lionheart' retires at UFC Kansas City: "He is a unique person" Theo Von pens heartfelt tribute to Anthony Smith as 'Lionheart' retires at UFC Kansas City: "He is a unique person"
Theo Von pens heartfelt tribute to Anthony Smith as 'Lionheart' retires at UFC Kansas City: "He is a unique person"
WATCH: Nong-O Hama goes at it with fellow legend Superbon in preparation for Kongthoranee rematch at ONE Fight Night 31 WATCH: Nong-O Hama goes at it with fellow legend Superbon in preparation for Kongthoranee rematch at ONE Fight Night 31
WATCH: Nong-O Hama goes at it with fellow legend Superbon in preparation for Kongthoranee rematch at ONE Fight Night 31
14h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications