In a divisive move, former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland publicly voiced troubling opinions, attributing the downfall of America to female suffrage and casting aspersions on the German and Brazilian communities.
The UFC’s reaction was swift and decisive, culminating in a specially arranged meeting to closely analyze the incendiary comments. The internal proceedings of this key meeting are documented in the recently released film, Fight Inc: Inside the UFC, providing a unique glimpse into the organization’s reactions to such controversies.
This vital meeting was helmed by Lenee Breckenridge, the UFC’s Senior Vice President of Communications, and Christoph Goessing, the Public Relations Senior Manager. Identified as “28 minutes of unadulterated Sean Strickland”, these inflammatory remarks became a forum for serious discussion, aimed at preserving the respected ethical standards of the UFC.
Renowned for his contentious commentary, Strickland is a familiar face to the UFC’s PR team, who must remain vigilant for possible incidents.
Addressing Strickland’s controversy: UFC’s approach
His tendency to stir up controversy ensures that his presence keeps the PR team on guard.
Dana White, the president of UFC, maintains his stance on the freedom of speech for fighters, opposing any form of restriction. This approach poses challenges, especially as the UFC foresees broadcast rights negotiations with ESPN and potential expansion to other platforms. Balancing this freedom of expression, while keeping UFC’s entertainment value intact, will certainly affect their relationship with ESPN and the potential expansion to other media outlets.
The controversy stirred by Strickland reveals the intricacies of managing athletes who voice controversial perspectives and the consequential effects on the integrity and reputation of the sports they represent. It highlights the importance of cultivating a respectful and constructive discourse environment and a balanced setting where freedom of expression is esteemed, but not at the cost of unity and cohesion in the sports community.
