Sean Strickland made derogatory remarks about women’s MMA during a controversial and offensive rant at the UFC 297 media day. Strickland, who holds the men’s middleweight championship, asserted that the female side of the sport wouldn’t attract viewership if it wasn’t associated with the men’s division. The fight card includes a co-main event for the vacant women’s bantamweight title, featuring Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva.
During the press conference to promote his upcoming fight against Dricus Du Plesis, Sean Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, was asked about sharing the same card with female fighters. In response, he delivered a harsh and critical commentary about women’s MMA.
“I don’t care. Let’s be real, I’m not trying to be offensive when I say this,” he stated. “WNBA vs NBA, who watches what and who makes more money?
“Sure, if there’s women’s MMA, let it be a thing. Personally, I’m not a fan of watching it, and I believe most people feel the same way. If women’s MMA were to be separate from men’s MMA, nobody would tune in to watch that.”
“There’s a significant difference between men and women. For instance, take this guy, a Canadian sitting next to you [pointing at a male journalist]; he could probably beat up Raquel Pennington. The reality is, any one of you could likely beat our co-main event fighters in a fight.”
“I’m not saying you can’t sit there and enjoy it, but I don’t want to see two little cats fight; I want to see lions fight. But here we are. I’m sure they’re great fighters. I didn’t say anything too offensive, did I?”
