UFC Hall of Famer and former “Double Champ” Amanda Nunes has officially responded to Sean Strickland after the middleweight contender launched a scathing attack on women’s mixed martial arts.
During the media day for UFC Fight Night 267 in Houston, Strickland made headlines for claiming “nobody gives a f*ck” about women’s sports and stating that women should focus on domestic roles like “making food and cleaning the house.” In one of his more targeted remarks, Strickland even claimed that the “softest” male fighter could beat Nunes, the woman widely considered the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in female combat sports.
The Lioness Roars Back
Nunes, who retired with both the Bantamweight and Featherweight titles in 2023, took to Instagram to dismiss Strickland’s comments with a mix of humour and “Girl Power.”
“We do everything he said, and to top it all off, lol, we’re fighters too. #girlpower don’t cry,” Nunes wrote, mocking the idea that female athletes are limited to the domestic roles Strickland described.
Escalating Controversy Ahead of UFC Houston
The back-and-forth with Nunes is just one facet of a highly controversial week for Strickland. The 34-year-old, who faces Anthony Hernandez this Saturday on Paramount+, has also been criticised for a racially charged meme targeting his opponent’s Mexican heritage.
Strickland posted an image depicting himself in an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) uniform alongside Hernandez in a traditional poncho and sombrero—a move that has drawn further accusations of bigotry alongside his homophobic slurs directed at pop star Bad Bunny earlier in the week.
With 23 wins in 27 professional fights, Strickland’s talent in the cage is undeniable, but his behaviour is increasingly putting the UFC and its new $7.7 billion broadcast partner, Paramount+, in a difficult position as they head into the Houston main event.
🗣️ MMAUK POLL: NUNES VS. STRICKLAND
The GOAT has spoken, but whose side are you on in this war of words?
- Was Amanda Nunes’ response the perfect way to handle Strickland?
- Does Strickland’s “villain” persona help or hurt the UFC’s mainstream growth?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🥊🦁
