In an interview with the UFC press service, the 34-year-old fighter emphasized his principled stance. "First of all, guys, I will never leave this country again. I'm an American, I don't leave, I don't travel, I don't go on vacation. I'll die on this land, so everything will be in America," the fighter stated, clearly setting his priorities.
The statement was made on the heels of a brilliant performance at the main event of UFC Fight Night in Houston. On February 22, Strickland faced fellow countryman Anthony Hernandez, who at that time was on an impressive eight-fight win streak.
The fight was completely dictated by the former champion. Already in the third round, Sean finished the fight with a technical knockout, delivering a series of precise strikes following a powerful knee to the body. The referee stopped the match at 2:23, marking Strickland's first early victory in over two years.
This success strengthened Strickland's position at the top of the middleweight division and once again made him a serious title contender.