Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, has issued a fiery response to Jake Paul, continuing their recent exchange. The verbal jousting between the two fighters has been ongoing for several weeks.
The latest volley occurred after Strickland sparred with Rumble streamer Sneako at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Despite Sneako’s boxing training, Strickland dominated the session, leaving the streamer bloodied and prompting criticism from various quarters, including Jake Paul.
Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, publicly offered $1 million to Strickland for a fight, which the MMA fighter declined, citing his inability to compete in the ring due to contractual obligations. Instead, Strickland expressed his willingness to spar with Paul.
However, the feud reignited when Paul recently targeted Strickland in a video, sharing private messages between them and criticizing Strickland as “lost” and a “wannabe alpha male.” Responding swiftly, Strickland took to social media to hit back at Paul.
He ridiculed Paul’s low-key return to the ring, claiming he wasn’t even aware of Paul’s upcoming fight. Strickland also revealed his side of the exchanged messages, offering Paul a chance to fight in Texas, mano a mano.
In a series of posts on X, Strickland didn’t mince words, calling Paul a “clown” and a “disgrace to combat sport.” He expressed disbelief at Paul’s choice of opponents, labeling them “cans” and questioning the legality of such matchups.
In one particularly pointed post, Strickland challenged Paul’s integrity, accusing him of being a “coward” and a “liar.”
He issued a provocative invitation for Paul to visit his home, suggesting a confrontation with no involvement of law enforcement. Despite the confrontational tone, Strickland concluded by requesting Paul to bring the promised million dollars.
Despite the heated exchange, a formal fight between Strickland and Paul is off the table. Paul is currently scheduled to face Ryan Bourland this Saturday in Puerto Rico, marking only the second time he won’t be the main event in his career.
The ongoing spat between Sean Strickland and Jake Paul has drawn attention from fans and pundits alike, with opinions divided on who holds the upper hand in this verbal skirmish.