The former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes responded directly to Sean Strickland after the outspoken middleweight made controversial remarks about women’s MMA during UFC Houston media day. And as expected, Amanda Nunes delivered her message clearly and without hesitation.
Strickland, who headlines UFC Houston against Anthony Hernandez this Saturday, stirred backlash when discussing the announced Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano matchup. While addressing women’s MMA, he took aim at fighters like Nunes.
“But really, like not many people give a f— about women’s MMA in general. It’s like the WNBA. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, no one gives a f— about women’s sports.’ Like, who cares? You’re watching two chicks. Like, you take the weakest, softest m———– here and you guys would beat up Amanda Nunes,” Strickland said.
“There’s nothing wrong with women. I mean, they do great things. They cook, they clean, they make good food. Like, women are great. We’ve got to remember what women excel at: having kids, being mothers, making food, cleaning house. The problem is we’ve empowered them too much to ruin society.”
The comments immediately drew criticism across the MMA community. Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in UFC history, answered back on Instagram.
“We do everything he said, and to top it all off, lol, we’re fighters too,” Nunes wrote.“Girl power. Don’t cry, dude.”
The response quickly gained traction, with fellow fighters joining the conversation in support of Nunes. Several athletes called out Strickland’s remarks, while others praised Amanda Nunes for handling the situation with confidence and class.
Amanda Nunes hasn’t competed since retiring at UFC 289 following her dominant win over Irene Aldana. She had been scheduled to return at UFC 324 before women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison withdrew due to injury. Nunes has made it clear she plans to step back into the Octagon later this year.
While Strickland attempts to reinsert himself into the middleweight title picture after a lopsided loss to Dricus du Plessis, his comments outside the cage continue to generate headlines.
Amanda Nunes, meanwhile, continues to reinforce why her legacy goes beyond championship belts. Inside the Octagon, she became the UFC’s first female two-division champion. Outside of it, she continues to stand firm when the moment calls for it.
In typical fashion, Amanda Nunes let her words carry weight and reminded everyone that greatness doesn’t need to shout.
