UFC bantamweight hits out at Sean Strickland over "lot of negativity about Chinese people": "He’s no different than toxic fans"
Sean Strickland has not entered the octagon since June when he defeated Paulo Costa via split decision in the co-main event of UFC 302. The No.1-ranked middleweight recently faced criticism from Song Yadong, who called him out by claiming that he had been disrespectful to Chinese people.
Speaking to Helen Yee, the No. 8-ranked bantamweight was asked what he told 'Tarzan'. He said:
"Last time, I saw your interview with Sean and I heard him say a lot of negativity about Chinese people. However, I don't think he's been to China before, yet believes Chinese people are a certain way. Since he's talking this way, he's no different than toxic fans. I believe this is discrimination towards Chinese people. I really respect him as a fighter, but what he's saying is not good."
Yadong was asked if he would invite Strickland to visit China with him, and he responded:
"Yes! If he's willing to, I can show him around China because there's good and bad in every country. He's probably only seen the bad side then talks about it online. Next time, if there's an opportunity, I'll show him around China to see all the nice things and great people there."
Check out Song Yadong's comments on Sean Strickland below:
Strickland has called out the nation of China on multiple occasions. He is unlikely to take Yadong up on the offer to visit 'Kung Fu Kid's home country as he has previously expressed that he has no interest in such a trip.
What Sean Strickland said about China and its people in recent X post
Sean Strickland has been known to voice his opinion on a wide variety of issues. The No.1-ranked middleweight visited Japan over the summer and used the trip as an opportunity to take a shot at the nearby nation of China.
'Tarzan' took to X during the visit, posting:
"I don't spend a lot of time around the Chinese, other than Helen..... But being in Japan, this seems to be the get away for the communist... Let me tell you one thing about the Chinese... They're f**king obnoxious!! My god I never wanna go to China Lol"
Check out Sean Strickland's tweet on the country of China here.
It is unclear what led Strickland to target China during his visit to the nearby nation of Japan. One thing that is clear, however, is that he is unlikely to be on hand when the UFC visits China for the seventh time in promotional history at UFC Fight Night 248 later this month.