UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland broke down in tears on the Theo Von podcast discussing how his father abused him.
Sean Strickland is set to face Dricus Du Plessis atUFC297 in Toronto this month, and the bad blood between the two reached new levels when the South African mocked the abuse he suffered as a child.
These comments enraged Strickland, who jumped Du Plessis in a heated brawl as the twocame to blows cageside at UFC 296.
Now, during an appearance onTheo Von podcast, ‘This Past Weekend,’ Strickland got emotional explaining how the abuse he suffered growing up affected him.
Sean Strickland in tears recounting childhood abuse
On the podcast, Stricklanddetailedhow his dad had threatened to kill his mother and how he hid under their bed, listening to him strangling her.
“I get out, and the only thing I can see is a guitar, I just f**king crack him in the head and call the cops,” he said. “I run down the street to call the cops, he’s arrested, and my dumb ass mom bails him out of jail.”
(segment begins at12:27:50)
Later on, the UFC star detailed how his dad warned his mother about how he’d use acid and chop her up if she cheated on him.
The sleepless nights took a toll on the fighter, who noted how he would sleep at school – and when his teacher took away his desk, he ended up sleeping on the ground.
“They don’t realize I’m up until 3 in the morning. I remember lying in bed. I remember when I stopped believing in God,” he said before beginning to tear up. “Crazy sh*t, man.”
Wow this hit hard.pic.twitter.com/QSGsvAlxdk
For a bit, Theo and Sean sat in silence, with the podcast host offering some comfort to the Middleweight champ who took a moment to compose himself before breaking down again.
Given the comments by Du Plessis poking fun at Strickland’s abuse, all eyes will be on their heated showdown at the UFC’s first pay-per-view of the year.
Michael Gwilliam is Dexerto’s Deputy Entertainment Editor in the US. He expertly covers trending stories across Twitch, Kick, YouTube, TikTok, as well as Overwatch, GTA, and Smash Bros. You can contact him at: michael.gwilliam@dexerto.com
