Sean Strickland is headed to anger management — not by choice, but by necessity.
The former UFC middleweight champ (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) was slapped with a six-month suspension and a $5,000 fine by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) on Thursday after an explosive incident at a Tuff-N-Uff event on June 28. Strickland stormed into the cage after a bout and threw punches at a fighter who had just defeated his teammate.
— FightsCenter (@combat2747) June 29, 2025
Now, the polarizing brawler is hoping to shave 1.5 months off that suspension by completing anger management training — a requirement that would clear him to return as early as November 14.
And his target?
None other than UFC’s undefeated wrecking ball and newly crowned middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev.
Strickland, who hasn’t fought since losing a razor-close decision to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 in February, seems determined to stay in the mix — even if it means swapping sparring gloves for therapy chairs.
His manager, Lance Spaude of Iridium Sports Agency, confirmed Strickland’s plan to comply with the NSAC’s condition. “The plan is to work with the commission to identify an acceptable program and to complete the course,” Spaude told MMA Junkie.
But let’s not forget what triggered the penalty.
This wasn’t just a heated moment in the locker room. Strickland charged the cage during an amateur fight, threw hands at a victorious opponent, and had to be separated — all while being one of the UFC’s most recognizable faces. The NSAC didn’t let it slide.
And while anger management may seem like an odd fit for someone who’s built his brand on blunt-force honesty and wild intensity, it may be the only path to keep Strickland from being sidelined.
If he follows through, Strickland could be cleared by mid-November — putting him back on track to chase Chimaev, who just ripped the belt away and is looking for challengers.
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