Sean Strickland Gets Real on Adin Ross Stream: “The Fight Business Has Been Good to Me”

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland isn’t known for holding back – whether it’s in the octagon or behind a microphone. But during a recent appearance on controversial influencer Adin Ross’s live stream, “Tarzan” surprised many fans with his refreshingly balanced take on his fighting career.

While Strickland’s unfiltered opinions often generate headlines (and sometimes headaches for UFC brass), his conversation with Ross revealed a more reflective side of the outspoken fighter.

Strickland Acknowledges His Good Fortune in UFC

In an era when fighter pay debates dominate MMA discourse, Strickland’s admission came as something of a surprise. “The fight business has been good to me,” Strickland told Ross and his massive audience, going against the grain of many fighters who publicly criticize the UFC’s compensation structure.

I’ve been following Strickland’s career closely, and this sentiment represents a notable shift from some of his previous statements. Just months after losing his title to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297, Strickland seems to have gained perspective on his journey in the sport.

Insert image of Sean Strickland appearing on Adin Ross’s stream here

The Unlikely Pairing: MMA’s Most Controversial Champion Meets Streaming’s Bad Boy

The conversation between Strickland and Ross represented a collision of two wildly different yet similarly controversial worlds. Ross, known for his provocative content and massive following among younger audiences, provided a platform for Strickland that reached well beyond traditional MMA media.

Their discussion touched on topics ranging from Strickland’s fighting career to his infamous outspoken views on various social issues. Unlike many of his previous media appearances, Strickland appeared relatively measured during portions of the stream.

Why This Matters for Strickland’s Brand

For Strickland, appearances on mainstream platforms like Ross’s stream represent significant opportunities to expand his personal brand beyond hardcore MMA fans. With over 100,000 viewers tuning in live, the former champion reached an audience that likely included many potential new fans unfamiliar with his fighting career.

These crossover moments increasingly matter in combat sports, where a fighter’s marketability often translates directly to bigger paydays and more favorable matchmaking.

What’s Next for Strickland?

While no official announcement has been made regarding Strickland’s next fight, rumors continue to swirl about potential matchups. After losing his title to Du Plessis in January, Strickland has remained active on social media but hasn’t stepped back into the octagon.

During the stream, Strickland didn’t reveal any specific plans about his fighting future, though he appeared motivated to work his way back to title contention. At 33 years old and still in his competitive prime, “Tarzan” remains a formidable presence in the UFC’s middleweight division.

The Fighter-Influencer Connection

Strickland’s appearance on Ross’s stream highlights the growing intersection between combat sports and influencer culture. From Jake Paul’s boxing career to the UFC’s increasing collaboration with social media personalities, the lines between traditional sports and digital entertainment continue to blur.

This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges for fighters like Strickland who must navigate this new landscape while maintaining their competitive edge inside the cage.

Fan Reactions: Mixed but Mostly Positive

Social media reactions to Strickland’s appearance were predictably mixed, with some praising his more measured approach while others wished for more of the unfiltered commentary he’s known for. What’s clear is that regardless of what he says, Strickland continues to be one of the most discussed personalities in the sport.

Whether you love him or hate him (and there are plenty in both camps), Strickland remains impossible to ignore – a quality that undoubtedly contributes to his market value as a UFC athlete.

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What did you think about Strickland’s appearance with Adin Ross? Was it refreshing to hear him acknowledge his positive experience in the fight business, or were you hoping for more controversial takes? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: UFC/Adin Ross Stream