UFC Legend Amanda Nunes Condemns Sean Strickland's Sexist Outburst
Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in mixed martial arts history, has publicly rebuked UFC star Sean Strickland following his latest sexist rant targeting women's MMA. The controversy erupted after Strickland dismissed the upcoming super-fight between trailblazers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, scheduled for May and set to be streamed live on Netflix.
Strickland's Controversial Media Day Comments
Speaking at a media event on Wednesday ahead of his main-event bout against Anthony Hernandez this Saturday, the outspoken 34-year-old former middleweight champion launched into a derogatory tirade. Strickland claimed that "nobody gives a f***" about women's MMA and asserted that even the "softest" male fighter could defeat Nunes. He further argued that women are "too empowered" and should focus on domestic duties instead of competing in the octagon.
"I mean, [women's MMA] is still not very good, but when Gina Carano was fighting it was significantly worse," Strickland continued. "Ronda Rousey's going to f***ing steamroll her [...] I don't know. I have no interest in that. Who gives a f***?"
Nunes' Fiery Instagram Response
Nunes, a retired dual-weight UFC champion who is planning a comeback this year, fired back on Instagram on Thursday. The Brazilian fighter posted: "We do everything he said, and to top it all off, lol, we're fighters too. #girlpower don't cry." Her statement garnered immediate support from fellow fighters, including UFC athlete Amanda Ribas and jiu-jitsu champion Ana Maria "India," who described Strickland as a "poor little thing, worthy of pity" and noted his comments reveal "how much he diminishes in front of strong, determined women."
Background on the Rousey-Carano Netflix Fight
The bout between Rousey and Carano marks Rousey's first fight since her 2016 title loss to Nunes, while Carano has not competed since 2009. Despite the excitement from many MMA fans, Strickland's comments have overshadowed the announcement with controversy. Nunes, one of only four dual-weight champions in UFC history, was herself scheduled to return in January against bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, but the fight was postponed due to Harrison's injury.
Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and former PFL champion, is another icon in women's MMA and a former training partner of Nunes. The rescheduled title fight between Nunes and Harrison is highly anticipated, further highlighting the depth and talent in women's mixed martial arts that Strickland's remarks sought to undermine.
