Former UFC champion Sean Strickland remains suspended after a physical altercation at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Las Vegas in June, with a final decision on his discipline delayed until at least August. The Nevada Athletic Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday to extend his suspension, which was first issued on July 3, pending a full disciplinary hearing or an adjudication agreement.
Details of the Altercation and Commission’s Response
The incident occurred after Luis Hernandez defeated Miles Hunsinger via a standing guillotine choke submission on June 29, 2025. Following the victory, Hernandez taunted Hunsinger’s corner, which included Strickland, by performing a signature “crotch chop” gesture borrowed from professional wrestling. Strickland then jumped into the cage alongside fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis, who was also in Hunsinger’s corner, launching punches at Hernandez before security intervened.
Nevada deputy attorney general Matthew Feeley described the event during the commission meeting, stating,
“In connection with the June 29, 2025 contest held in Las Vegas, NV, which the respondent was not participating in as a combatant,”
and added,
“The respondent engaged in a physical altercation with a contestant immediately after the contestant’s bout.”
Potential Consequences and UFC’s Position During Suspension
Because Strickland was a licensed cornerman during the fight, he faces possible penalties including a longer suspension period and financial fines. The commission’s hearing to finalize disciplinary action will not take place until its monthly meeting in August. Meanwhile, the UFC is expected to refrain from scheduling Strickland for any fights until his suspension is lifted or an agreement is reached with the commission.
Strickland remains sidelined and in limbo as the commission continues to review the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the conduct and its impact on professional regulations within mixed martial arts events.
Hernandez’s Perspective and Call for Professionalism
Luis Hernandez, who remains undefeated following his recent submission victory, expressed no desire for the commission to punish Strickland and his associates for the fight night incident. He voiced support for them during a post-fight statement and in remarks about the commission’s proceedings.
“I really have nothing towards them, and hope the commission does not… like they even asked me, ‘Hey, you’re gonna press charges?’ I’m like, ‘What? No,’ I would never want anything to happen to these guys because I actually like them, and I hope they watch this. I have nothing against Sean, nothing against Chris, nothing against Xtreme Couture. I like those guys. …” —Luis Hernandez, Fighter
“I would say we’re all adults here, and I have nothing against them, and I will say this again: I hope the commission does not take this out on them at all because, at the end of the day, we’re all professionals and this is entertainment.” —Luis Hernandez, Fighter
Impact and What to Expect Moving Forward
This extended suspension places Strickland in an uncertain position, unable to compete professionally until the Nevada Athletic Commission issues a formal ruling. The delay until August means the fighter’s career activities remain on hold, and the situation underscores the commission’s cautious approach to regulating conduct beyond the cage. The upcoming hearing will be pivotal in determining whether Strickland faces a longer suspension or fines, setting a precedent for disciplinary enforcement in similar incidents within MMA.