Sean Strickland promises he’ll be back to MMA before his six-month suspension is up.
On Thursday, it was announced that the former UFC middleweight champion had been barred from fighting until December 29.
Sean Strickland also received a $5000 fine for his prominent role in a viral post-fight brawl at Tuff-N-Uff 145 in June.
The 34-year-old can reduce his ban to 4.5 months by completing an anger management course.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesSean Strickland reacts to his ban
On Thursday, Sean Strickland issued a statement confirming his plan to take anger management.
Apparently, Khamzat Chimaev’s recent middleweight title win influenced his decision-making process.
Strickland wants to return to competition as soon as possible to face the Russian fighter, who jokingly labelled himself a ‘terrorist’ in the build-up to UFC 319.
Well! Ready to put this to bed and get back in the cage,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Can’t have a terrorist as a champion, sadly, I think I’m the only one to change that.
“Appreciate the commission for getting this done..
“Anger management here I come….”
Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight
Sean Strickland doesn’t appear to be in the running to face Khamzat Chimaev next.
It appears he’s got work to do after being battered by Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 in February.
However, he could end up jumping to the front of the queue because the new champion hopes to fight at UFC 321 on October 25.
The other four middleweight title contenders are currently tied up with fights against each other.
Nassourdine Imavov will fight Caio Borralho in the main event of UFC Paris on September 6.
Earlier this week, Dana White announced another huge middleweight fight between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez, who will headline UFC Vancouver on October 18.
It seems highly unlikely that any of the 185lb foursome will be fit and ready to fight Chimaev at the end of October. So, Strickland may get the call if the UFC decides to press ahead with a quick turnaround for their new 185lb king.