Why is Sean Strickland called Tarzan?

Last Modified Feb 2, 2025 09:12 GMT
UFC 199: Rockhold v Bisping 2
UFC 199: Rockhold v Bisping 2

The former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland is an out-and-out phenomenal contender inside the cage. With his outspoken persona, Strickland has earned himself into way too many controversies. However, the 33-year-old fighter cared least about them and always showcased war inside the octagon. With over a decade of expertise in the sport, Sean Strickland’s professional career has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride. He currently holds a record of 29 wins and 6 losses in mixed martial arts, as of February 2025. Strickland also boasts 11 wins via knockout, 4 wins via submission, and 9 first-round finishes that decorate his fight resume. Before signing up for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Sean Strickland was a former King Of The Cage middleweight champion. And defended the title four times before leaving the promotion.

Sean Strickland made his professional debut at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, against Bubba McDaniel. Strickland submitted McDaniel in the later minutes of the first round and earned his respect inside the promotion himself for his debut. Moreover, after a decade of competing inside the octagon, Strickland was recently celebrated as the middleweight champion, for which he had a dominating win over the former reigning champion Israel Adesanya. Moreover, the 33-year-old American fighter is set to face Dricus du Plessis in a rematch on February 8, 2025, for the UFC middleweight gold.

Sean Stricklan's nickname

Sean Strickland went by his moniker ‘Tarzan’ during his early professional career. For which the former champion reasoned that he looked like a Tarzan, loved climbing trees, and was fond of brawling. Strickland’s hairstyle during the 2013 weigh-ins also suggests his nickname to be reasonable.

However, Sean Strickland does not stick to his former nickname anymore. He purposely got it removed and changed his look from long hair to trimmed hair.

Also Read: When did Sean Strickland start training

*Last updated on February 2, 2025.

FAQs on Sean Strickland nickname

A. Sean Strickland went by his moniker ‘Tarzan’ during his early professional career for which the former champion reasoned that he looked like a Tarza, loved climbing trees, and was fond of brawling. 

A. He currently holds a record of 29 wins and 6 losses in mixed martial arts.

A. For his last outing, Sean Strickland had a split decision win against Paulo Costa at UFC 302. 

A. The 33-year-old American fighter is still ranked as the No.1 contender in the division and he is set to face Dricus du Plessis in his next fight at UFC 312. 

 A. Sean Strickland is currently 33 years old.

Related Stories

Sean Strickland mourns loss of first dog with sly jibe at Israel Adesanya: "Man I've been crying like a baby" Sean Strickland mourns loss of first dog with sly jibe at Israel Adesanya: "Man I've been crying like a baby"
Sean Strickland mourns loss of first dog with sly jibe at Israel Adesanya: "Man I've been crying like a baby"
WATCH: Jonathan Haggerty goes through the emotions coaching younger bro Freddie go up against Jordan Estupinan in Bangkok WATCH: Jonathan Haggerty goes through the emotions coaching younger bro Freddie go up against Jordan Estupinan in Bangkok
WATCH: Jonathan Haggerty goes through the emotions coaching younger bro Freddie go up against Jordan Estupinan in Bangkok
1d
Jackie Buntan says competition in Muay Thai division amps her desire to chase two-sport glory: “I’d love to get that” Jackie Buntan says competition in Muay Thai division amps her desire to chase two-sport glory: “I’d love to get that”
Jackie Buntan says competition in Muay Thai division amps her desire to chase two-sport glory: “I’d love to get that”
1d
Unbeaten slugger Johan Estupinan says losing was never part of his vocabulary: “A topic I never talk about" Unbeaten slugger Johan Estupinan says losing was never part of his vocabulary: “A topic I never talk about"
Unbeaten slugger Johan Estupinan says losing was never part of his vocabulary: “A topic I never talk about"
1d
Johan Ghazali reflects on "life-changing" ONE Championship journey ahead of ONE Fight Night 32 redemption arc Johan Ghazali reflects on "life-changing" ONE Championship journey ahead of ONE Fight Night 32 redemption arc
Johan Ghazali reflects on "life-changing" ONE Championship journey ahead of ONE Fight Night 32 redemption arc
1d
“Prepared for three solid rounds” - KO machine Dzhabir Dzhabrailov ready to enter deep waters at ONE Fight Night 32 “Prepared for three solid rounds” - KO machine Dzhabir Dzhabrailov ready to enter deep waters at ONE Fight Night 32
“Prepared for three solid rounds” - KO machine Dzhabir Dzhabrailov ready to enter deep waters at ONE Fight Night 32
1d
“It’s different” - Johan Ghazali says Superbon molded him into the perfect fighting machine ahead of ONE Fight Night 32 “It’s different” - Johan Ghazali says Superbon molded him into the perfect fighting machine ahead of ONE Fight Night 32
“It’s different” - Johan Ghazali says Superbon molded him into the perfect fighting machine ahead of ONE Fight Night 32
11h
“I’d be a little bit lost” - British legend Liam Harrison admits he’ll face a new reality in life once he hangs up the gloves for good “I’d be a little bit lost” - British legend Liam Harrison admits he’ll face a new reality in life once he hangs up the gloves for good
“I’d be a little bit lost” - British legend Liam Harrison admits he’ll face a new reality in life once he hangs up the gloves for good
1d
Diego Paez spots pattern in Johan Ghazali's defensive mechanics: "He seems to have trouble with people that move" Diego Paez spots pattern in Johan Ghazali's defensive mechanics: "He seems to have trouble with people that move"
Diego Paez spots pattern in Johan Ghazali's defensive mechanics: "He seems to have trouble with people that move"
16h
Can Julianna Peña deal with Kayla Harrison's ground game at UFC 316? Breaking down the women's bantamweight title fight Can Julianna Peña deal with Kayla Harrison's ground game at UFC 316? Breaking down the women's bantamweight title fight
Can Julianna Peña deal with Kayla Harrison's ground game at UFC 316? Breaking down the women's bantamweight title fight
1d
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