UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland’s recent decision to throw his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in the garbage can has generated significant discussion across various online platforms. A video capturing Strickland’s unconventional act has prompted both supporters and critics to share their perspectives on this unexpected move.
The MMA community, known for its diversity of opinions, has showcased a wide range of reactions to Strickland’s polarizing choice. His decision to relinquish a symbol representing over ten years of dedication to BJJ has sparked debates regarding the importance of traditional martial arts symbols in today’s MMA landscape.
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) December 23, 2023
When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu however, Strickland doesn’t see any value in it – nor does he train in the gi anymore:
Yeah I got (a black belt) a while ago, it’s bullsh*t, it doesn’t work.
It doesn’t work, you guys, Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t work. It don’t work.
It’s in my trunk somewhere, the black belt.
I lost my gi, I don’t wear it anymore.
Strickland was promoted to black belt by very respected Checkmat BJJ instructor Ricardo Feliciano a few years back and he put in the time training in the Gi as well.
Many people were left wondering how the instructor would react to Strickland’s action but the Brazilian Feliciano has not made a statement.
Matt Veiga, of Oss Nation, is a black belt under the same instructor and is a BJJ teammate of Sean Strickland. He shared his thoughts regarding Strickland’s decision:
“Sean is 100% a legit BJJ black belt. He kicked my butt in training. I don’t if what he did was with the goal to go viral.”
“Does he want to go nomad and jump from one gym to another? Most MMA fighters do that.”
“I got my black belt from the same instructor. I’ve trained with Sean. In regards to what he did and how it would make the instructor feel, it’s not alright.”
“Jiu-Jitsu has helped a lot of people overcome struggles.”
“What he did was in poor taste.”
Strickland began by emphasizing that he much more prefers striking to wrestling…
And he said this befor his title fight with Israel Adesanya, who knocked out to win the title at UFC 293:
I’ve been wrestling a lot in camp but sometimes you know, you get up there and you look at another man and I think to myself: “I want to f*cking stand and bang with this guy.”
So I probably should wrestle, but that’s probably not going to happen. It’s not going to happen.
But I should wrestle, I’ve been planning to wrestle.
One prevalent viewpoint centers around the evolving nature of skillsets within the sport. Some argue that while a black belt signifies proficiency, it may not necessarily reflect the practical abilities needed in modern MMA competitions.
Discussions also consider the idea that an extensive training history and competitive edge can outweigh the significance of a black belt in certain contexts.
Online discourse additionally examines Strickland’s persona, describing him as a complex fighter who oscillates between an unconventional public image and genuine competitiveness. Some interpret his actions as a type of performance aimed at generating excitement, reminiscent of classic wrestling promotions.
However, Strickland’s move has not been universally endorsed, with some critics questioning the necessity of such a public display. Skepticism remains regarding the authenticity of the act and whether it contributes meaningfully to his public image or primarily seeks attention.
It is notable that Strickland was seated near Craig Jones during UFC 296 and appeared to disparage the use of BJJ throughout the event. Jones was quoted as saying Strickland previously had a confrontation with deceased ADCC champion Orlando Sanchez after Strickland kicked at Sanchez’s attempted submission hold leading up to their scheduled bout. Despite his distaste for BJJ, Strickland has participated in BJJ competitions, losing a Submission Underground match to Andy Varela.
