'No different than toxic fans!'… Rising UFC star blasts Sean Strickland for China rant
Today at 07:36 PM
UFC bantamweight contender Song Yadong responded to Sean Strickland’s self-expressed hate for Chinese people.
Sean Strickland is inarguably one of the UFC’s biggest stars after an upset win over Israel Adesanya last year. After winning the middleweight belt, he became a pay-per-view standout and a fan favorite.
What also is inarguable is Strickland’s ability to ruffle many feathers across combat sports and find himself in various controversies. During his UFC tenure, he’s made controversial remarks about women, homosexuals, and those who oppose his worldview.
Last month, Strickland made several disparaging comments about Chinese people in an interview. He called Chinese people “bad Asians, savages, and animals” in a hateful rant.
Bantamweight contender Song Yadong, one of the UFC’s biggest Chinese stars, took immense exception to Strickland’s comments.
Song Yadong scolds Sean Strickland for ‘discrimination’
In a recent interview with Helen Yee, Yadong responded to Strickland.
“Last time, I saw your interview with Sean and I heard him say a lot of negativity about Chinese people,” Yadong said. “However, I don’t think he’s ever been to China before, yet believes Chinese people are a certain way.
“Since he’s talking his 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. If he’s willing to, I can show him around China because there’s good and bad in every country.”
As of this writing, Strickland hasn’t responded to Yadong’s comments.
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Song Yadong becomes latest UFC fighter to criticize Sean Strickland
Strickland is expected to face UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis next in a rematch of their UFC 297 showdown. Du Plessis defeated Strickland by split decision to win the UFC middleweight title.
Yadong was briefly linked to a UFC Tampa booking against Umar Nurmagomedov, although it appears that fight is off the table. He’s currently nursing an injury as he prepares for his UFC comeback.
Yadong has defeated the likes of Chris Gutierrez, Ricky Simón, and Marlon Moraes during his UFC tenure. He hasn’t fought since a loss to Petr Yan at UFC 299 in March.
While Strickland is one of the UFC’s biggest fan favorites, his antics outside of the cage aren’t universally beloved. Yadong is one example of a fighter not being afraid to confront Strickland on his stances.
