Career Timeline of Sean Strickland: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Sean Strickland, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Sean Strickland is an American professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and also held the Middleweight Championship in King of the Cage. As of August 19, 2025, he is ranked #3 in the UFC middleweight division. He has been a professional fighter since 2008.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2008: Professional Debut for King of the Cage

In 2008, Sean Strickland made his professional debut for the King of the Cage promotion.

2008: Professional Debut

In 2008, Sean Strickland made his professional mixed martial arts debut.

December 9, 2012: King of the Cage Middleweight Championship Win

On December 9, 2012, Sean Strickland won the King of the Cage Middleweight Championship by defeating Josh Bryant at KOTC: Unification via split decision.

March 15, 2014: UFC Debut

On March 15, 2014, Sean Strickland made his UFC debut at UFC 171 against Bubba McDaniel, winning via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

May 31, 2014: UFC Fight Night 41 Win

On May 31, 2014, Sean Strickland won against Luke Barnatt at UFC Fight Night 41 via split decision, despite 11 out of 11 media outlets scoring the bout for Barnatt.

February 22, 2015: UFC Fight Night 61 Loss

On February 22, 2015, Sean Strickland faced Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC Fight Night 61 in a welterweight bout, losing via unanimous decision.

July 15, 2015: UFC Fight Night 71 Win

On July 15, 2015, Sean Strickland won against Igor Araújo at UFC Fight Night 71 by unanimous decision.

February 21, 2016: UFC Fight Night 83 Win

On February 21, 2016, Sean Strickland defeated Alex Garcia at UFC Fight Night 83 via TKO in the third round.

June 4, 2016: UFC 199 Win

On June 4, 2016, Sean Strickland won against Tom Breese at UFC 199 via split decision.

August 20, 2016: Withdrawal from UFC 202

On August 20, 2016, Sean Strickland was expected to face Tim Means at UFC 202, but he pulled out of the fight in early August due to a knee injury and was replaced by Sabah Homasi.

April 8, 2017: UFC 210 Loss

On April 8, 2017, Sean Strickland faced Kamaru Usman at UFC 210 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

November 11, 2017: UFC Fight Night 120 Win

On November 11, 2017, Sean Strickland faced Court McGee at UFC Fight Night 120. The fight was initially announced as a majority draw, but after an error was found in the judges' scorecards, Strickland was declared the winner by unanimous decision.

May 12, 2018: UFC 224 Loss

On May 12, 2018, Sean Strickland faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC 224 and lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

October 27, 2018: UFC Fight Night 138 Win and Free Agency

On October 27, 2018, Sean Strickland defeated Nordine Taleb at UFC Fight Night 138 via technical knockout in the second round. He became a free agent after the fight, having completed his contract.

October 31, 2020: UFC Fight Night 181 Win

On October 31, 2020, Sean Strickland faced Jack Marshman at UFC Fight Night 181 after Wellington Turman pulled out. Marshman missed weight, was fined, and Strickland won the fight via unanimous decision.

November 14, 2020: UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos Win and Performance of the Night

On November 14, 2020, Sean Strickland replaced Ian Heinisch and faced Brendan Allen at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos, winning via technical knockout. He also received the Performance of the Night award.

May 1, 2021: UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka Win

On May 1, 2021, Sean Strickland won against Krzysztof Jotko at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka via unanimous decision.

June 4, 2021: Hall Fight Moved

On June 4, 2021, Sean Strickland's bout with Uriah Hall was moved to headline UFC on ESPN 28 on July 31, 2021.

July 31, 2021: UFC on ESPN 28 Win

On July 31, 2021, Sean Strickland defeated Uriah Hall via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 28.

August 7, 2021: UFC 265 Schedule

On August 7, 2021, Sean Strickland was initially scheduled to face Uriah Hall at UFC 265, but the bout was later moved.

November 6, 2021: Rockhold Withdrawal from UFC 268

On November 6, 2021, Sean Strickland was scheduled to face Luke Rockhold at UFC 268. However, Rockhold withdrew from the fight on October 11 due to a herniated disc.

February 5, 2022: UFC Fight Night 200 Win

On February 5, 2022, Sean Strickland won against Jack Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 200 via split decision, a decision that was widely criticized.

July 2, 2022: UFC 276 Loss

On July 2, 2022, Sean Strickland lost to Alex Pereira via knockout in the first round at UFC 276.

July 30, 2022: Pereira Fight Scheduled for UFC 277

On July 30, 2022, Sean Strickland was initially scheduled to face Alex Pereira at UFC 277, but the fight was moved to an earlier date.

October 15, 2022: Cannonier Fight Scrapped

On October 15, 2022, Sean Strickland was scheduled to face Jared Cannonier at UFC Fight Night 212, but the bout was scrapped after Strickland withdrew due to a finger infection.

December 17, 2022: UFC Fight Night 216 Loss

On December 17, 2022, Sean Strickland lost to Jared Cannonier via split decision at UFC Fight Night 216.

January 14, 2023: UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov Win

On January 14, 2023, Sean Strickland faced Nassourdine Imavov, replacing Kelvin Gastelum, at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov, winning via unanimous decision.

July 1, 2023: UFC on ESPN 48 Win and Performance of the Night

On July 1, 2023, Sean Strickland defeated Abusupiyan Magomedov at UFC on ESPN 48 via TKO in the second round and earned the Performance of the Night award.

September 10, 2023: UFC Middleweight Championship Win

On September 10, 2023, Sean Strickland won the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 via unanimous decision, a major upset. He also earned his third Performance of the Night bonus award.

January 20, 2024: UFC 297 Title Defense Loss

On January 20, 2024, Sean Strickland had his first title defense against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 and lost the fight via split decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

June 1, 2024: UFC 302 Win

On June 1, 2024, Sean Strickland defeated Paulo Costa at UFC 302 by split decision.

February 9, 2025: UFC 312 Loss

On February 9, 2025, Sean Strickland competed for the UFC Middleweight Championship in a rematch against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 and lost the fight by unanimous decision.