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 professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and a former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion. Strickland has been a professional MMA fighter since 2008 and, as of August 2025, is ranked #3 in the UFC middleweight rankings.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 22, 2015: Loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio

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

August 20, 2016: Pulled from Fight Against Tim Means

On August 20, 2016, Sean Strickland was scheduled to fight Tim Means at UFC 202, but he withdrew due to a knee injury and was replaced by Sabah Homasi.

April 8, 2017: Loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 210

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

May 12, 2018: Knockout Loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

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

November 6, 2021: Scheduled Fight with Luke Rockhold Cancelled

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

July 2, 2022: Knockout Loss to Alex 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: Fight Against Jared Cannonier Scrapped

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

December 17, 2022: Split Decision Loss to Jared Cannonier

On December 17, 2022, Sean Strickland faced Jared Cannonier at UFC Fight Night 216 and lost the fight via split decision.

January 20, 2024: Title Defense Loss and Fight of the Night Award

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

February 9, 2025: Loss to Dricus du Plessis

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

June 29, 2025: Involvement in Melee at Tuff-N-Uff Event

On June 29, 2025, Sean Strickland was involved in a physical altercation at a Tuff-N-Uff event after Luis Hernandez taunted Miles Hunsinger's coaches. This led to a temporary suspension.