Former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, has been gaining headlines due to his controversial and unabashed remarks. His comments have ignited intense debate within the UFC, with reactions ranging from praise for his forthrightness, to criticism labeling his actions unprofessional.
Despite the controversy, Strickland remains unflinching, standing by his opinions and continually growing his fan base due to his candid approach.
However, Strickland’s contentious views have stirred particular uproar regarding women’s suffrage and his demeaning comments towards Germans and Brazilians. The situation escalated into a confidential meeting between key stakeholders which is believed to have strained the UFC’s relationship with important partners. This tension was depicted, albeit subtly, in the documentary, “Fight Inc: Inside the UFC.”
The documentary allowed viewers a sneak peek into how UFC deals with sensitive issues. It showcased a dialogue between Senior Vice President of Communications, Lenee Breckenridge, and Public Relations Senior Manager, Christoph Goessing.
Strickland’s contentious statements strain UFC
The aftermath of the documentary marked a noticeable increase in the UFC management’s openness about their decision-making process.
UFC’s President, Dana White, is known for his staunch stand against restraining fighters’ expressiveness during press conferences. He argues that such freedom promotes authenticity and boosts anticipation for each fight. His stance, however, has attracted criticism from those who believe that unrestrained speech can result in offensive comments or fuel unnecessary conflicts.
Going forward, UFC is at a crossroads about how to tackle similar incidents. This uncertainty also arises amid considerations about the renewal of their ESPN broadcasting agreement or seeking alternative partnerships. Keeping this in mind, the manner in which comparable incidents are handled will heavily influence the organization’s future strategies.
