Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been hit with a six-month suspension and a $5,000 fine after storming the cage and throwing punches during a heated altercation at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Nevada back in June.
The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) handed down the punishment during its monthly meeting on Thursday, finalizing an adjudication agreement with the fighter. While the suspension runs until December 29, Strickland can have it reduced to four and a half months—allowing him to return by mid-October–if he completes a commission-approved anger management course.
NAC chairman Dallas Haun acknowledged Strickland for accepting responsibility and cooperating with the commission.
“Sean Strickland stepped forward. He made this process easy,” Haun said during the meeting. “He apologized for his behavior. We appreciate someone stepping up, owning something, and then a resolution could be come to quickly and with all parties in agreement. So again, our thanks to Mr. Strickland. He made a mistake and he’s owned it and we appreciate that.”
In addition to his suspension and fine, Strickland was ordered to pay $157.04 in attorney fees related to the case.
The melee occurred when Strickland and fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis were cornering their teammate Miles Hunsinger against Luis Hernandez. After Hernandez scored a guillotine choke finish, he taunted Hunsinger’s corner with a crotch chop celebration. That sparked chaos, with both Strickland and Curtis storming the cage.
Strickland threw a punch at Hernandez, while Curtis got physically involved but didn’t throw any strikes. Despite Hernandez later saying he held no ill will and hoped neither fighter would face punishment, the NAC still chose to discipline both.
Curtis received a $2,500 fine and the same attorney fees, along with a formal letter of reprimand, but avoided suspension.
Strickland, however, wasn’t as fortunate. His role in escalating the incident forced the commission’s hand, though his willingness to accept the punishment may have softened the blow.
Following the ruling, Strickland took to Instagram to express his relief that the situation was resolved and his eagerness to move on.
“Ready to put this to bed and get back in the cage,” Strickland wrote. “Can’t have a terrorist as a champion, sadly I think I’m the only one to change that. Appreciate the commission for getting this done… Anger management here I come.”
With the possibility of an early return if he completes anger management, Sean Strickland may not be sidelined for long. His suspension underscores the commission’s stance on professionalism but also leaves the door open for redemption as he looks ahead to his next chapter inside the Octagon.
