Challenges Faced by Sean Strickland: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Sean Strickland's life and career.

Sean Strickland is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. He is the former UFC Middleweight Champion and a former Middleweight Champion of King of the Cage. As of February 2025, he holds a high ranking within the UFC middleweight division. Strickland has been a professional MMA fighter since 2008.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

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.

August 20, 2016: Withdrawal from UFC 202

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

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.

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.

December 2018: Motorcycle Accident

In December 2018, Sean Strickland was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle in Los Angeles, rendering him unconscious and causing numerous injuries that required a knee operation.

November 6, 2021: Rockhold Withdraws from UFC 268

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

July 2, 2022: UFC 276 Loss to Pereira

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

October 15, 2022: Cancellation of Cannonier Fight

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 faced Jared Cannonier at UFC Fight Night 216, losing the fight via split decision.

January 20, 2024: UFC 297 Loss

On January 20, 2024, Sean Strickland had his first title defense against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297, losing the fight via split decision, but earning the Fight of the Night award.

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, losing the fight by unanimous decision.