Sean Strickland's Controversial Rant Targets Bad Bunny and Women's Sports
During a Paramount+ and UFC media day ahead of his fight with Anthony Hernandez, former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland went on a sexist and homophobic tirade that targeted women's sports and the NFL's Super Bowl LX halftime show featuring Bad Bunny. This outburst has ignited widespread criticism and raised questions about tolerance in sports promotions.
Strickland's Homophobic Attack on Bad Bunny and the NFL
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Strickland unloaded on the NFL's decision to feature Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny at the center of this year's halftime show at Levi's Stadium. He used derogatory language, referring to Bad Bunny with slurs and criticizing the league for moving away from what he called "being a man." Strickland framed the NFL as having abandoned traditional values, suggesting they intentionally "ruin" the sport by including global music stars like Bad Bunny, whom he inaccurately labeled a "foreigner."
Key Fact: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime show averaged approximately 128 million viewers, surpassing the game's viewership of about 125 million, according to recent broadcast figures. The NFL has actively used international music icons to expand its audience, making Strickland's comments not just offensive but also misinformed, as Puerto Ricans are American citizens.
Misogynistic Comments on Women's Sports Add to the Controversy
Bad Bunny was not the only target in Strickland's rant. As reported by Variety's Jack Dunn, he also attacked figures like Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, along with women's sports in general, while promoting a Netflix MMA event. Strickland made crude remarks about Carano's appearance and dismissed women's sports, claiming that "no one gives a fuck about women's sports" and that women "cook" and "clean," arguing they have been empowered "too much" and "ruined society."
This is the same fighter who was suspended by the UFC in July 2025 after attacking another fighter while working as a cornerman. His return to a prominent promotional role coincides with Paramount+'s seven-year, multibillion-dollar rights deal to exclusively broadcast UFC events in the United States, putting pressure on the platforms to address his behavior.
Backlash and Broader Implications for Sports Media
The blowback has been swift, with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III calling out Strickland on social media platform X. Griffin highlighted Strickland's ignorance about Puerto Rican citizenship and mocked his athletic prowess, suggesting he would struggle in the NFL. For the NFL, Bad Bunny's halftime show was a ratings success, but for Paramount+ and the UFC, Strickland's comments pose a significant test of how much bigoted rhetoric they are willing to tolerate from a volatile figure in their roster.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in sports media between promoting diverse audiences and managing controversial personalities. As Strickland prepares for his next fight, the fallout from his rant may influence future promotional decisions and spark broader conversations about inclusivity and accountability in combat sports and beyond.
