Sean Strickland, former UFC middleweight champion, has been handed a six-month suspension and fined $5,000 after attacking regional fighter Luis Hernandez during a Tuff-N-Uff event in June. The incident unfolded when Strickland confronted Hernandez mid-fight, who was competing against Strickland’s teammate, leading to a physical altercation in the cage.
Strickland, accompanied by his teammate Chris Curtis, entered the cage during the bout. While Curtis avoided suspension by not engaging physically, Strickland threw multiple punches at Hernandez. This prompted the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to issue a provisional suspension for Strickland during their July meeting. The official punishment was finalized during the commission’s recent monthly session.
Details of Disciplinary Actions and NSAC’s Statement
According to MMAJunkie, NSAC imposed a $5,000 fine along with the six-month suspension, which is retroactive, allowing Strickland to return to competition on December 29. Strickland’s penalty may be shortened to 4.5 months if he successfully completes a commission-approved anger management program.
NSAC chairman Dallas Haun acknowledged Strickland’s cooperation in resolving the matter swiftly, stating:
Sean Strickland stepped forward. He made this process easy. He’s apologized for his behavior. We appreciate someone stepping up, owning something, and for a resolution to be come to quickly and with all parties in agreement. So again, thanks to Mr. Strickland. He’s made a mistake and he’s owned it and we appreciate that.
—Dallas Haun, NSAC Chairman
Chris Curtis Fined but Avoids Suspension
Chris Curtis, who accompanied Strickland to the cage during the altercation, was fined $2,500 and legal fees but was spared a suspension as he did not physically strike Hernandez. Nolan King from MMAJunkie reported the fine during the commission’s proceedings.
Reflecting on the episode in an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Curtis commented on the NSAC’s handling of the situation:
Nevada did kind of come down on us. It’s one of those things where they understand how the situation got out of hand, but they also said that it was unacceptable. … I ended up paying a decent little penny for it. I got a fine, Sean got some other stuff, which I’ll let him tell people about that at some point, I’m not going to out his personal business. But I got an interesting fine.
—Chris Curtis, UFC Fighter
Prospects for a Rematch Between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland
With Strickland sidelined until at least late December due to the suspension, interest remains high in a potential rematch with Israel Adesanya, who is eager to face Strickland again. Earlier this year, Adesanya revealed during training sessions alongside David Goggins that a rematch is among his goals.
At a June interview with MMAJunkie, Adesanya took a direct approach regarding Strickland, suggesting that while he is ready to fight, Strickland appears preoccupied with other matters:
I want to, but he’s busy at the moment with other stuff, so that’s him, but we’ll see. I’ll pick a fight this weekend.
—Israel Adesanya, UFC Fighter
Although Adesanya mentioned planning his next fight over the weekend of the interview, no official announcements have since been made. With Strickland’s disciplinary hearing concluded, there is renewed speculation that a rematch could be arranged before the end of the year.