Hate just doesnt go away UFC champ Sean Strickland opens up about the sad reality
Fight fans know Sean Strickland as the UFC middleweight champion noted for his brash and often contentious demeanor. He recently provided a raw and emotional peek into his personal problems with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Strickland revealed the enduring impact of years of abuse on comedian Theo Von’s podcast, “This Past Weekend,” showing the tremendous toll it has taken on his mental and emotional well-being.
Strickland emphasized this in a social media post following the podcast. He stated that PTSD can turn a strong person into a weak one or vice versa. He commented on the long-term effects of abuse, saying:
PTSD can make a strong man weak or a weak man strong.. Years and years of abuse just changes you as a man.. The hate just doesn't go away. The sad truth is I'm one of millions but I only matter because there is a camera in my face... Most people just suffer in silence and drown their demons in alcohol or drugs. Theo thanks for saying you'd delete the video for me.. I wanted you to, hell still kinda do but at the end of the day.. it's life....Sean Strickland via X
The catalyst for this open confession occurred during Strickland’s eventful weekend. This included a heated verbal exchange with Dricus Du Plessis and a subsequent physical incident at UFC 296. Du Plessis’ harsh remarks about Strickland’s abusive father sparked the heated confrontation.
PTSD can make a strong man weak or a weak man strong.. Years and years of abuse just changes you as a man.. The hate just doesn't go away. The sad truth is I'm one of millions but I only matter because there is a camera in my face… Most people just suffer in silence and drown… pic.twitter.com/H24KDko6GV
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) December 19, 2023Sean Strickland’s open revelation about the persistent nature of hatred and the tragic reality of PTSD provides a compelling insight. There is much more than just what we can see in those marred by PTSD.
[related-content] Related: “At least he didn’t call him N****” – Israel Adesanya reacts to rivals Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis creating havoc in crowd at UFC 296 [/related-content]
Fight fans react to Sean Strickland’s revelation about PTSD
Sean Strickland’s unexpected vulnerability is a change from his typical outspoken and brave character. This resonated with fans who were used to seeing the fighter in a different light – one of unwavering confidence and swagger.
Fight fans raced to social media platforms to voice their opinions. Many followers admired Sean Strickland’s openness to reveal his personal hardships. Some fight fans also offered words of encouragement. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:
I respect this. Alcohol was my cope until I got help. Well for several years it still was, but eventually the help, helped.
— Boogerbeard (@Boogerbeard1) December 19, 2023As much as you probably don't care about this soy boy interviewer's opinion, I think a little vulnerability goes a long way to helping other people in your shoes. So good on you dude. I'm sure we agree on some things and disagree on a lot, but I've always enjoyed our chats ✌️
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) December 19, 2023Not hard to like Sean dude is real and genuine
— Nicholas Abel (@NicholasAbel07) December 19, 2023Love yah for this big dawg! Your a champ in and out of the ring! It’s best to let this out now. On behalf of the community who’s experienced real things like this. We need you to avenge the ones who arnt as lucky and do it for them. Just know a whole army is standing behind you! pic.twitter.com/jDpR4sk5eY
— @Laughs4Liberty (@Laughs4Liberty) December 19, 2023We fucking love you, Sean. You're a fine American. And so refreshing… stay honest, and always improving. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🇺🇸
— Mort & Rupert in Arizona (@WitchyWagon) December 19, 2023If you ever see this @SStricklandMMA, find a therapist that practices EMDR light therapy. They can do it remotely/via video call.
It changed my life and resolved a great deal of my PTSD issues. It could help you out as well.
— TooLateBlue (@TooLateBlue) December 19, 2023There are a lot of people I just lowkey want to see do well in life. @TheoVon is one of them and you are too my dude. Have a long reign as champ and dip out and make some money doing something fun after.
— Matt (@MattPhillips22) December 20, 2023Fight fans’ reactions to Strickland’s admission remain complex and empathetic, surpassing the usual dialogue around fighters. As fans unite around the UFC champion, his honesty and vulnerability have built a feeling of connection.
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