UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland’s controversial comments at the UFC 297 media day may cause issues at the upcoming UFC 297 pay-per-view event, according to former middleweight contender Derek Brunson. Brunson, who left the promotion in September last year, commented on Strickland’s remarks on various subjects, including the LGBTQ discourse and criticism of the Canadian government, among others.
In response, Brunson took to X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting that the champion’s polarizing views might prompt protests during the event. Meanwhile, during the same media day, Strickland criticized Brunson while discussing his title challenger Dricus du Plessis’ record, referring to the former UFC fighter as a “dead horse.”
In contrast, Dricus du Plessis is focusing on fighting instead of engaging in a war of words with Sean Strickland. The two fighters had clashed in the past over personal comments made by the South African, even resulting in a brawl at UFC 296. However, du Plessis has stated in his media day appearance that he is looking forward to the battle inside the octagon rather than the one on the microphone.
For his part, du Plessis, nicknamed “Stillknocks,” said he has already won the battle of words and is now focusing on winning the fight on Saturday night. The two fighters recently met in an Embedded episode where they embraced each other and exchanged pleasantries, a sign that their turbulent history is now behind them.
