The combat sports community is no stranger to former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland‘s outspoken nature. Over the years, he has faced a lot of backlash because of that. This time, UFC bantamweight fighter Song Yadong took offense at his remarks. As such, he marked Strickland’s comments as discriminatory towards Chinese people.
In the past twelve months, Strickland has made several derogatory comments about China as a country. He has previously lashed out at Chinese people, blaming them for spreading COVID-19 in 2020. Years later, Strickland continued to use this as a basis for making egregious remarks about the Chinese population. These ongoing comments did not sit well with Yadong, who even went so far as to label Strickland as a racist.
Last time, I saw your (Helen Yee) interview with Sean (Strickland) and I heard him say a lot of negativity about Chinese people… Since, he’s talking this way, he’s no different than toxic fans. I believe this is discrimination towards Chinese people… Next time, if there’s an opportunity, I’ll show him around China to see all the nice things and great people there.
Song Yadong via Helen Yee Sports on YouTube
Interestingly, this isn’t the only instance of Strickland engaging in a controversial topic. Over the years, the UFC community has seen the middleweight fighter involved in multiple other controversies, many of which began when Strickland criticized his fellow fighters. As a result, he has faced intense scrutiny throughout his impressive career.
Song Yadong responds to Sean Strickland after his “discrimination towards Chinese people”:
“Since [Sean is] talking this way, he’s no different than toxic fans. I believe this is discrimination towards Chinese people…
If he is willing to, I can show him around China.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 4, 2024
Yadong also had an intriguing proposal for Strickland. As such, he invited the former middleweight champion to visit China, where the bantamweight fighter would be happy to showcase the positive aspects of his country. Speaking of Yadong’s UFC career, his last fight was at UFC 299. Since then, he has not yet returned to the octagon.
When will Song Yadong return to the UFC octagon?
Song Yadong made his UFC debut in 2017. Throughout his illustrious UFC career, he has defeated several tough opponents, which has helped him rise in the bantamweight division. One of his most notable victories came against title challenger Marlon Vera. Despite losing his last fight against Petr Yan, Yadong was reportedly scheduled to face another title challenger, Umar Nurmagomedov.
A few weeks ago, several reports suggested that both Nurmagomedov and Yadong agreed to a fight. This comes on the heels of the Dagestani fighter’s ongoing calls for a title shot against Merab Dvalishvili. In response, Yadong provided a potential timeline for his return and outlined the conditions that would permit him to compete at that time.
Probably in January… If Umar (Nurmagomedov) takes the fight…
Song Yadong via Helen Yee Sports on YouTube
👊Song Yadong says he hopes to return in January and thinks it will be against Umar Nurmagomedov:
“Probably in January…if Umar takes the fight”
🎥@HelenYeeSports 🔹 pic.twitter.com/wOtGTrL6xy
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 4, 2024
Despite Nurmagomedov’s deliberate attempts to secure a title shot, Dvalishvili has consistently ignored him. As a result, the Dagestani fighter has decided to step away from the title pursuit and compete against other contenders. This shift in focus could eventually pave the way for his potential fight against Yadong.
