Valentina Shevchenko and Sean Strickland are both high-profile UFC fighters. The recent exchange between the two started when Strickland made some harsh remarks about women’s MMA. Shevchenko recently revealed that the former men’s UFC champion has apologized to her for his comments. Here is what happened:
Sean Strickland had labeled women’s MMA “lame” and specifically criticized former fighter Paige VanZant. He was reacting to VanZant’s claim that she made more money on OnlyFans than from her entire fighting career. That triggered Strickland to express his disdain for women’s MMA. This was not an isolated case; Strickland has a history of inflammatory comments. That is what made him a controversial figure in the UFC. However, Strickland later took an unusual step—he apologized. According to Shevchenko, Strickland explained that when he is not actively training, he tends to “lose his mind”.
Oh yes he did apologise… As he wrote he gets possessed by demons. So he apologized in a very polite manner. Said that he had a training session sparred for 10 rounds which set his mind right.
Valentina Shevchenko via Corner MMA
Strickland’s remarks had not sat well with the former UFC flyweight champion. Valentina Shevchenko had publicly responded, calling Strickland’s attitude childish and insulting. Her retort was sharp. She pointed out that Strickland had likely earned less in his entire career than many women in the sport. She suggested he should focus on earning more rather than demeaning women’s MMA.
The resolution between Shevchenko and Strickland seems amicable. Strickland had even invited her to join him for shooting practice the next time she was in Las Vegas. That signals that the two fighters have put the feud behind them. The former middleweight champion rarely backs down or apologizes. His brash and unfiltered behavior has led to numerous feuds. Therefore this situation truly stands out from the rest.
Sean Strickland has tips for dealing with mental health struggles
Despite achieving professional success, Sean Strickland has been open about his ongoing mental health struggles. He has shared that he experiences intense mental health episodes multiple times a month. The former champion described feelings of being “mentally unwell” and even feeling like a “danger to people.” Strickland has spoken about childhood trauma, particularly involving an abusive father, which has contributed to his challenges.
Strickland decided to make a change and took to social media to share his experience. He sent out a tweet on X, talking about how he woke up all pissed off and violent the other day. However, the former middleweight champion did not let his mood get the better of him.
I’ll tell you miserable cunts something
Woke up salty pissed off and violent
BUT instead of fucking up my girls day I buried it. Took her to a museum, lunch and got holloween decorations and smiled the whole time
The moral of the story is hide that shit and fake it. good luck
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) September 15, 2024
By speaking out, Strickland has aimed to connect with his fans. He acknowledged that mental health issues persist regardless of external success. The UFC star encourages others to find solace in physical activity, just like himself.
