The highly anticipated UFC Houston main event already had a lot at stake, but it has recently taken a personal turn. And not in the usual trash-talk way. A social media post by Sean Strickland not only aimed at his opponent Anthony Hernandez, but also hit a nerve for its racial insensitivity. With a five-round title eliminator match looming on February 23rd, tensions are high and the stakes have never been higher.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Strickland shared a photoshopped image of Hernandez with a tattoo of the word “ICE” on his forehead. The caption read, “In case you didn’t know, Hernandez was part of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and tortured people before he started fighting. Let’s hope he can set his roll of pesos down long enough to fight.”
This post sparked immediate backlash from both fans and fellow fighters within the MMA community. Many saw it as not only racially insensitive, but completely disrespectful and distasteful. Hernandez, who is of Mexican-American descent, immediately responded with a statement of his own.
In an interview with TMZ, Hernandez said, “It’s very disappointing, very insensitive. Completely uncalled for. The trash talking and all that, I can take that. But when it gets personal like that, it’s not cool. He doesn’t know anything about my life or my family’s history. He has no right to talk about it.”
Hernandez also took to his social media to share a video of himself training with the caption, “I’m going to torture you so bad, you’ll wish ICE had actually taken you to jail.” This statement only adds to the intensity and personal feelings leading up to the fight.
Many fans and fellow fighters have shown their support for Hernandez in light of Strickland’s remarks. UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, who is also of Mexican-American descent, shared a tweet saying, “A comment that has racial connotation towards a fighter is unacceptable. We’re professional fighters. We fight for the love of our sport, not for race.”
Despite the controversy, both Hernandez and Strickland have made it clear that they are ready to put on a show in the octagon. Hernandez, who holds a record of 6-0, is determined to prove himself and make a name for himself in the UFC. Strickland, with a record of 19-3, is also looking to make a statement and move up in the ranks of the middleweight division.
The UFC has yet to comment on the matter, but it is clear that they do not condone this kind of behavior. However, this incident has only served to fuel the already intense matchup. Both fighters have a lot to prove and a lot on the line.
In the midst of the controversy, Hernandez remains focused and determined on the task at hand – defeating Strickland and continuing his rise in the UFC. In an interview with EssentiallySports, Hernandez said, “I’m going to go in there and do what I do best – fight. I want to show people what I’m made of and put on a great show for the fans.”
It’s clear that Hernandez is not taking Strickland’s words lightly. He intends to use them as motivation to put on a memorable performance in Houston. And with their styles of fighting, this match-up is sure to deliver.
In the end, what started as a personal jab has only added another layer of intensity to an already highly anticipated fight. Both fighters are ready to give it their all and prove themselves in the octagon. The fans are in for a treat as these two warriors clash in a five-round battle that could potentially determine the next title contender.
So, mark your calendars for February 23rd, as Anthony Hernandez and Sean Strickland face off in what is sure to be an eventful and action-packed main event at UFC Houston. Let’s hope that the action in the octagon stays respectful and professional, leaving any personal remarks out of it. May the best fighter win.
