UFC fighter Sean Strickland was among the first to publicly criticize Tiki Ghosn following Ghosn’s powerful elbow strike against the well-known streamer Nurideen Shabazz, also known as ‘Deen The Great’.
The incident sparked widespread debate, with many users condemning Shabazz’s provocative conduct and suggesting he provoked the situation. While public opinion largely favored Ghosn for not engaging in the streamer’s theatrics, UFC veteran Strickland notably defended Shabazz.
Despite his own history of confrontations with online personalities, Strickland sharply condemned Ghosn for what he perceived as a cheap shot delivered to a considerably less experienced opponent.
During a media day at UFC Houston, Strickland addressed the viral footage: “There’s that viral clip where Tiki goes and he knocks out the streamer… Which was a sucker punch by the way. Everyone is like, ‘It’s dope that you did that.’ Was it dope? You had a cup and you sucker punched a guy in the face.” He continued, asserting that a true display of masculinity would involve a clear challenge: “What would be dope is to say, ‘Alright, man, you want to f***ing fight? Make the circle.’ That’s what a f***ing man does, dude.”
Strickland characterized Ghosn’s strike as a cowardly move, emphasizing that honorable individuals should engage in consensual, fair combat rather than attacking an unprepared opponent.
He further elaborated on the perceived unfairness, stating, “He just looks away like, ‘You serious?’ and boom, sucker punch… What? That’s kind of being a little b***h to me. If you are going to f***ing fight a man, you give him the option.”
Many found Strickland’s defense of Deen The Great surprising, given the UFC star’s frequent criticisms and belittling remarks towards streamers. However, his perspective apparently shifted after witnessing the incident unfold.
In response to Strickland’s remarks, Deen The Great simply posted: “W Sean.”
