Huge fan! UFC champion Sean Strickland reveals the importance of the legendary GSP in his career.

Strickland celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

Despite publicly portraying himself as a bad boy, always ready to attack everything and everyone, Sean Strickland He also possesses fair play and appreciation for certain professionals. After regaining the UFC middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) last Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the American surprised by ending the rivalry with Khamzat Shimaev And this attitude reminded many of Georges St. Pierre. But, according to the athlete, such a comparison is irrelevant, as the legendary Canadian is on a different level because of his actions.

In an interview with the UFC itself, Strickland set aside the controversies and made a point of praising GSP, considered by many to be the best fighter in MMA history, for his demeanor both inside and outside the octagon. And the admiration and respect that the American shows for the veteran has an explanation.

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When he began his journey with the company in 2014, the bad boy received a great deal of encouragement from the Canadian and fondly remembers the meeting and his words. Therefore, Strickland seeks to have the same humility that GSP had throughout his successful career, despite being completely different on a personal and professional level.

“GSP is a legend. You want to talk about someone with low self-esteem? In every fight, that guy never wanted to fight. I heard stories, but he fought and became one of the greatest fighters in the world. GSP is a legend. I remember, in my first UFC fight, I told him, 'Man, I'm a huge fan of yours.' I was being a fanboy. And he told me, 'Hey, Sean, now I'm the one watching you fight,'” said the champion.

“It was my first fight in the UFC and he told me, ‘Sean, now I’m watching you fight.’ That was incredible! He was the icon. We all wanted to be GSP, to have Nike’s fucking money. That being said, in the end, I’m not GSP. I’m a piece of trash white guy who talks a lot of shit,” he concluded.

GSP backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Strickland fighters in MMA

Sean Strickland[Name], 35 years old, is one of the best fighters in the history of the middleweight division, being a two-time UFC champion. The American began his MMA career in 2008, debuted in the company in 2014, and won the category's belt in 2023 and 2026. Currently, the athlete is ranked seventh in the pound-for-pound rankings.

In sports, the bad boy built a record of 31 wins and seven losses. His main triumphs were against anthony hernandez, Brendan allen, Israel adesanya, Khamzat Shimaev, Nassourdine Imavov e Paulo borrachinha.