Sean Strickland insults Muslim fighters and receives a response from his rival: 'Trash'

Strickland promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

On a collision course with Anthony Hernandez in the main fight this Saturday (21), Sean Strickland continues to attract the attention of the public and media for being an extremely controversial figure. In addition to offending Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano after the announcement of their return to MMA, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) threw barbs when commenting on other athletes in the category.

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Amid several controversial statements throughout media day last Wednesday (18), Strickland demonstrated a complete disinterest in the hypothetical duel between Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov , likely the first title defense by the Chechen. However, beyond technical reasons, his acidic comment mainly attacked ethnic and religious aspects of the two.

“Do you want to see two Muslim terrorists f****** fighting? Nobody cares about two foreigners fighting. It would be hilarious if they brought a terrorist to the White House,” the wrestler stated. Both Chimaev and Imavov are Muslims.

Sean Strickland doesn't want to see Khamzat Chimaev vs Nassourdine Imavov

"Do you want to see two f***ing terrorist Muslims fighting each other? Nobody gives a f***k about two foreigners fighting.

It'd be funny if they bring a f***ing terrorist to the White House.”

(via @ufc ) pic.twitter.com/UGpMrLjVHi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 19, 2026

Early in the afternoon of this Thursday (19), Imavov came out publicly to respond to the American's attack. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the second-ranked player in the category was short and blunt in disapproving of his former opponent's statement.

"You can wash it, polish it, change the brand, but trash is still trash," he summarized.

You can rinse it, polish it, rebrand it, garbage is still garbage @SStricklandMMA https://t.co/ARcsp6lF41

— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) February 19, 2026

Strickland has already beaten Imavov in the UFC

Sean Strickland (right) defeated Nassourdine Imavov (left) at UFC Vegas 67. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the top contenders for the number one contender spot in the category, Nassourdine Imavov is on a five-fight winning streak in the division and hasn't lost since January 2023. Ironically, the last fighter to beat him was Sean Strickland , who later became the champion of the category by dominating Israel Adesanya . If the former belt holder manages to win this Saturday (21), the rematch could become a reality in the future.

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