UFC recently released new 3Eight gloves for fighters ahead of UFC 302 Saturday night fight. The mitts were recently released, but it seems that not all fighters–including Islam Makhachev, who believed the equipment might result in more cuts—are happy with the new improvements.
One of such fighters who publicly voiced his opinion was Sean Strickland. The fighter isn’t scared to air his opinions and openly declared his dislike towards the glove during his media day in preparation for his upcoming bout against Paulo Costa on June 2.
“They suck.” Strickland said. “Can we talk to the person who designed these gloves? Have you even been in a fight in your f**king life? It’s like you get these f**king dorks that have no idea. Like, this sounds like a good idea and they make it. Same thing with motorcycles. I’ve bought motorcycles and they put so much stupid s**t on it. How did you assh*les think this was a good idea? So no, they absolutely suck, You dropped the ball on that one.”
“If you get cut because you get hit in the f**king head, don’t get hit in the f**king head; you don’t get cut.” He continued. “You get poked in the eyes because you f**king opened your hand, so don’t open your hands, and you won’t get poked in the eye. These people are creating problems that aren’t there.”
The gloves were designed to prevent glove grabs during grabbling exchanges and also prevent cuts, but it seems like they might do the opposite of that.
Notwithstanding, ‘Tarzan’ is still eager to get in the cage. After his recent title loss to Dricus Du Plessis, the fighter has been preparing to get back in the octagon. He recently spoke on his mental and physical preparedness to face Costa.
“UFC 302, man. It’s going to be a bloodbath.” He said. “I think that me and Costa, we’re going to go in the deep water. It’s going to be a 25-minutes war. I think we’re going to go be looking at each other in that third, fourth round, thinking, ‘F**k, we’ve got one more round.’ But mentally, as always, I’m ready to die for what I want, and I think I’m going to pick him apart.”
The fighter was also asked if he’d ever go in BKFC, to which he responded, “How much would I f**king bare-knuckle for? Nothing they would pay me. Bare knuckle, you want to all about f**king crooks, they’re paying their guys s**t. [BKFC] is one of those organizations where you hear these numbers, it’s all bulls**t. …”
When told about his ranking below Conor McGregor on “The Notorious” list of most attractive men in MMA, Strickland roasted the Irishman.
Conor? No, that f**king little leprechaun? That motherf**ker looks like he’s putting his head under f**king urinals, my man, no fucking way.”