BREAKING: Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been handed a six-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) following a physical altercation at an MMA event. The NSAC announced this urgent update during its monthly meeting on October 26, 2023.
The suspension, which is retroactive to June 29 when the incident occurred at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Las Vegas, will remain in effect until December 29, 2023. Strickland may reduce the suspension to 4.5 months by completing an anger management course.
The confrontation erupted after fellow fighter Miles Hunsinger, whom Strickland coaches, suffered a submission loss to Luis Hernandez. Post-fight, Hernandez taunted Hunsinger’s corner, prompting Strickland and UFC fighter Chris Curtis to react. Video footage showed Strickland throwing punches at Hernandez, leading to the NSAC’s decision.
In addition to Strickland’s suspension, Curtis received a $2,500 fine for his involvement. Strickland, holding a professional record of 29-7, has not fought since losing a title bid against Dricus Du Plessis in February and did not have a scheduled bout at the time of the June incident.
This decision marks a significant moment for Strickland, who has been a controversial figure in the UFC. The implications of this suspension extend beyond Strickland’s career, impacting UFC’s reputation and raising questions about fighter conduct.
WHAT’S NEXT: Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Strickland opts to take the anger management course, which could allow him to return to the octagon sooner. With the UFC landscape constantly evolving, this situation remains critical for both Strickland and the organization.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
