UFC 293 headliner Sean Strickland says he’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime – something he showed on the weekend when he claims to have punched a fan at Bondi.
On Wednesday night at the open workouts ahead of his title fight with Israel Adesanya, Strickland bizarrely called up a fan from the crowd at Sydney’s Town Hall for an impromptu sparring session, boxing gloves and all.
Strickland joked: “I wanted to spar someone a little f***ing bigger!”
But he was happy to trade shots with the fan, inviting him to punch him in the head unguarded – a massive risk given a cut could prove disastrous for the weekend’s headline bout.
Order UFC 293 Sydney: Adesanya v Strickland, Tuivasa v Volkov. Sun 10 Sept. Main Event on Kayo Sports
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Strickland smiled and laughed as he threw punches, clipping the fan on the head multiple times.
It was meant to be an open workout for the crowd, but Strickland went his own way after the short sparring session with the fan.
The controversial American – never far from a swearword or ten – made his way down into the masses and traded some words.
Fox Sports host Nico Pajarillo said: “I’ve never seen this before!”
Speaking on Fox Sports, UFC star Rob Whittaker said: “I’m just trying not to get in the way – he’s gone rogue!”
Then Australia’s Tyson Pedro did his own workout, bringing up his dad for a little sparring session – and even throwing a flying kick in the mix that sent his father back-pedalling almost off the stage.
MORE COVERAGE
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WILD Strickland media exchange in full | 18:41