UFC bantamweight contender Song Yadong has gone and responded to Sean Strickland’s self-expressed hate for Chinese people.
Sean Strickland is inarguable one of the UFC’s biggest stars. This was after his upset victory over Israel Adesanya last year. After defeating Adesanya and winning the middleweight title, he became a pay-per-view standout and a fan favourite.
However, something else that is clear is Sean Strickland’s ability to ruffle many feathers across combat sports and find himself in various controversies. During his time in the UFC, he has made many controversial remarks about women, homosexuals, and those who oppose his worldview.
However, last month, Sean Strickland made several disparaging comments about Chinese people in an interview. During the interview, Sean Strickland called Chinese people “bad Asians, savages, and animals” in a hateful rant. Bantamweight contender Song Yadong, one of the UFC’s biggest Chinese stars, took immense exception to Strickland’s comments.
Song Yadong Accuses Sean Strickland of Discrimination
During a recent interview with Helen Yee, Song Yadong went on to respond to Sean Strickland‘s comments by saying;
“Last time, I saw your interview with Sean and I heard him say a lot of negativity about Chinese people,”
“However, I don’t think he’s ever been to China before, yet believes Chinese people are a certain way.”
“Since he’s talking his way, he’s no different than toxic fans. I believe this is discrimination towards Chinese people. I really respect him as a fighter but, what he’s saying is not good. If he’s willing to, I can show him around China because there’s good and bad in every country.”
Yadong Latest Fighter To Criticize Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland is currently the number one contender to face UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. This would be a rematch to their fight back at UFC 297 where Dricus Du Plessis was able to clinch the belt. This was due to a split decision victory.
Song Yadogn was briefly linked to a UFC Tampa fight against Umar Nurmagomedov, although it appears that this fight is now off the table. This is due to him currently nursing an injury as he prepares for a UFC comeback. Song Yadong has been able to get some impressive victories defeating fighters Chris Gutierrez, Ricky Simón, and Marlon Moraes during his time in the UFC. However, he has not fought again since his defeat to Petr Yan back at UFC 299 in March 2024.
While Sean Strickland is one of the UFC’s biggest fan favourites, it is his antics outside of the cage which aren’t universally beloved. Song Yadong is one example of a fighter not being afraid to confront Sean Strickland on his stances.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
