Sean Strickland was expected to share commentary duties with Khamzat Chimaev at Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas last Saturday.
Chimaev did not appear, but Strickland was still present on a broadcast that also involved UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and UFC president Dana White.
Still, the 35-year-old later made clear that he regretted taking part, even though he said he only attended to support his friend Adin Ross.
Sean Strickland says Brand Risk appearance left him feeling ‘less of a man’
After leaving the event, Strickland posted on Instagram stories: “I’ve never been part of anything so shameful in my life and I hate myself, and I’m feeling less of a man after being here.”
He then added: “Oh, guys, I get to f— out of there, man. He’s my friend, you know, I like him, but I’m sick to my stomach, that’s f—— up. This is the most f—— up thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life.”
It was a typically unfiltered reaction from Strickland, but the admission still stood out because he had willingly appeared around the event.
His comments also showed the uncomfortable balance fighters can face when stepping into influencer-led combat sports spaces.
For the UFC middleweight champion, helping Ross was clearly not enough to offset how he felt once he had been part of the show.
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