UFC CEO Dana White isn’t about to attempt to filter Sean Strickland or anyone else on the roster.
Strickland went viral on social media throughout UFC 297 combat week after happening an anti-LGBTQ rant throughout media day in Toronto. He verbally attacked a reporter who requested him about previous feedback he’d made.
A heavy advocate at no cost speech, White defended Strickland and mentioned the reporter baited him by asking about his stance on the LGBTQ neighborhood. Utilizing the likes of Tyron Woodley and Colby Covington as examples, White says the UFC supplies a platform that permits anybody to precise themselves the best way they wish to.
“We had a man early on when the COVID factor began, Tyron Woodley. He got here out in Black Lives Matter every thing. I feel he had Black Lives Matter socks on, coated head to toe in Black Lives Matter,” White mentioned on “The TRUTH Podcast” with Vivek Ramaswamy, referencing a September 2020 situation with Woodley earlier than his combat in opposition to Colby Covington. “On the press convention main as much as his combat, they’d ask him a query and he would say, ‘Black Lives Matter.’ They’d ask him anouther one, (he’d reply) ‘Black Lives Matter.’ I didn’t say sh*t to him, knock your self out. …
“That is America. Everyone can have their very own opinion. I’m not telling anyone what to do, what to say, what to suppose, the right way to really feel. We’re human beings in America, do your factor, knock your self out, I’ve acquired the platform. Folks get pissed off, individuals get offended, individuals get this and that. We simply had it occur with Sean Strickland.
“We’re up in Canada. Sean Strickland mentioned quite a lot of issues. I don’t agree with 95 p.c of what this man says, nevertheless it’s his proper to say it. And in case you don’t prefer it, tune in on Saturday evening, he’s gonna get punched within the face. If you happen to don’t like him, you get to see him get punched within the face, so there you go. Don’t get too upset and don’t take it too severe.”
Strickland wound up losing his middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis by cut up choice within the UFC 297 important occasion.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 297.
Remember to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.
