UFC commentator Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on Sean Strickland’s recent statements regarding his mental health.
Strickland has been absent from competition since his split-decision loss to Dricus du Plessis back in January, a defeat that marked the end of his brief tenure as champion. Despite expressing a desire for a rematch, Strickland has yet to announce his return to the octagon.
However, this hiatus may be for the best. Earlier this week, Strickland took to social media to share a video in which he opened up about his ongoing struggles with mental health, despite his fame and success. This admission resonated deeply with Cormier.
In a recent upload on his YouTube channel, Cormier drew parallels between Strickland’s candid video and Alexander Volkanovski’s post-fight remarks following UFC 294. Volkanovski had bravely revealed his battle with depression after suffering a first-round knockout defeat to Islam Makhachev.
Cormier emphasized the importance of extending support to Strickland, regardless of personal opinions about him. He stressed that Strickland’s admission should be met with the same empathy and understanding as Volkanovski’s, urging the MMA community to rally around him.
“Sean Strickland is a guy who has faced his fair share of adversity,” Cormier remarked. “We need to recognize that his struggles are a plea for help. Just as we rallied around Volkanovski, we must extend our support to Strickland during this challenging time.”
Cormier’s message underscores the significance of prioritizing the well-being of fighters beyond their achievements in the octagon. He implores fans and fellow athletes alike to acknowledge the human aspect of these individuals and offer them the compassion and assistance they need.
