Valentina Shevchenko wasn’t pleased with Sean Strickland’s comments. The UFC middleweight champ insulted Paige VanZant and dissed women’s MMA, calling it “lame.” VanZant had mentioned earning more on Only Fans in 24 hours than in all her fight purses combined.
Strickland’s tweet broke down like this:
Shevchenko, a former flyweight champ, fired back on social media. She called Strickland an “offended kid” for his comments about VanZant. Shevchenko, praised as one of UFC’s greatest, had seven title defenses and started her MMA career in 2003.
In response to Strickland, she tweeted:
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Sean Strickland Sparks UFC Equality Debate
Strickland defends his title on January 20. Shevchenko is unbooked after her series with Grasso, which ended in a split draw. The exchange between Shevchenko and Strickland sparked a debate on social media, with fans expressing various opinions on the matter. Some defended Strickland’s right to voice his views, while others applauded Shevchenko for standing up against what they perceived as disrespectful comments towards female fighters.
The controversy also led to discussions about the financial disparities between male and female fighters in the UFC. Many fans and fighters argued that such comments only contribute to the existing gender pay gap in the sport. The incident further highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes in combat sports and the importance of promoting equality and respect within the MMA community.
While Shevchenko and Strickland continue their respective journeys in the UFC, the aftermath of this social media exchange serves as a reminder of the broader issues surrounding gender dynamics in mixed martial arts. As the conversation evolves, it remains to be seen whether the UFC will address the concerns raised by the fans and fighters regarding equality and fair treatment in the sport.
As the Shevchenko vs. Strickland debate unfolds, do you believe Strickland’s comments were justified, or do you think they contribute to gender inequality in the UFC? Share your views in the comments below.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
