Despite often rubbing some the wrong way with his bold and controversial statements, Sean Strickland is considered by many to be a ‘people’s champion’. During the UFC 297 press conference, his fan-favorite tendencies were on full display.
With an array of hungry contenders all looking to get their hands on the 32-year-old, he has done a good job of staying composed and focusing on the task at hand. He will face his first test as the 185 lbs king at UFC 297 against the heavy-hitting Dricus Du Plessis.
It didn’t take long for Sean Strickland to get those in attendance pumped up during the press conference earlier today. Discrediting Georges St-Pierre and other champions to make his point, Strickland declared himself a voice of the people.
“Let me tell you guys something. And this is what the media doesn’t understand when it comes to me and you guys and the Australian fans.”
“You guys don’t care about me fighting. Yeah, me and Dricus, we’re going to have a deathmatch. Someone’s going to get their hand raised. Someone’s going to get their hand raised.”
“But when have you ever seen a UFC champion, Georges St-Pierre, anybody else stick up for you f***ing guys?” Strickland said as he addressed the Canadian fans. “I f***ing do it. I do it.”
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Sean Strickland continued his rant about being a man of the people, and despite already discrediting a beloved fighter of their nation, the fans loved every minute of his speech.
“I am not chasing the Chinese checkmark of Nike. I don’t give a f*** about that. I care about you guys. I care about you guys being free. I care about you guys having freedom of speech.”
“I give a f*** about you guys and I’ll tell you what, you guys are f***ing awesome and I cannot wait for me and this man to f***ing go to war for you f***ing guys.”
From that moment onward, the Canadian fans were all behind Sean Strickland, with one even storming the stage to confront the middleweight king.