Strickland Criticised for Asking Young Fan to Raise Middle Finger

In a clip that quickly went viral, Strickland was seen posing for a photo with a young fan and repeatedly gesturing for her to raise her middle finger. The girl remained composed, refusing to comply, and the interaction ended with Strickland dropping the idea and posing with his hand in his pocket. The footage prompted widespread criticism on social media, with many fans calling the behaviour inappropriate given the fan’s age.

Strickland’s conduct is not new; a similar incident involving Anthony Hernandez’s daughter during UFC Houston fight week had previously drawn scrutiny. After that event, Strickland publicly apologized for his remarks, acknowledging the impact on the young fan. The recent controversy has reignited debate over the former champion’s interactions with minors and his broader reputation as a divisive figure in MMA.