Sean Strickland


Sean Strickland is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2008, he is the former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion.

Background

Originally from Anaheim, California, Strickland began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 14 and turned professional at the age of 16.

Mixed martial arts career

King of the Cage

Strickland made his professional debut in 2008 for the King of the Cage promotion and compiled an undefeated record of 9-0 before facing Josh Bryant in a fight for the King of the Cage Middleweight Championship at KOTC: Unification on December 9, 2012. Strickland won via split decision, and then successfully defended his title twice before being signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Strickland made his UFC debut at UFC 171 on March 15, 2014, facing Bubba McDaniel. Strickland won via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
Strickland made his next appearance at UFC Fight Night 41 against Luke Barnatt on May 31, 2014. Strickland won via split decision.
Strickland faced Santiago Ponzinibbio in a welterweight bout on February 22, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 61. Strickland lost the back and forth fight via unanimous decision.
Strickland faced Igor Araújo on July 15, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 71. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Strickland faced Alex Garcia on February 21, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 83. After a back-and-forth first two rounds, Strickland won the fight via TKO in the third round.
Strickland next faced Tom Breese on June 4, 2016 at UFC 199. He won the fight via split decision.
Strickland was expected to face Tim Means on August 20, 2016 at UFC 202. However Strickland pulled out of the fight in early August citing a knee injury. He was replaced by promotional newcomer Sabah Homasi.
Strickland faced Kamaru Usman on April 8, 2017 at UFC 210. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Strickland faced Court McGee on November 11, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 120. This fight was back and forth for all three rounds and was initially announced a majority draw with scores of 30-27, 29-29, and 29-29. After the fight it was revealed there was an error in calculating the judges scorecards and Strickland was declared the winner by unanimous decision.
Strickland faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on May 12, 2018 at UFC 224. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.
Strickland faced Nordine Taleb on October 27, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 138. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round. Strickland became a free agent after the fight by fighting out his contract.

Personal life

In December 2018, Strickland was hit by a car while he was driving a motorcycle in Los Angeles, rendering him unconscious. He suffered numerous injuries and his knee was operated after the accident.

Championships and accomplishments