Sean Strickland Suspended Six Months, Fined for Cage Altercation at Tuff-N-Uff

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been suspended six months and fined $5,000 for storming the cage and striking a fighter at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Nevada this past June. The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) announced the punishment Thursday following an adjudication agreement reached with Strickland.

Details of the Suspension

Sean Strickland’s suspension is set to expire Dec. 29 but could be reduced to 4 ½ months if he completes an NAC-approved anger management course, potentially clearing him for a mid-October return. NAC chairman Dallas Haun praised Stric kland for cooperating with the process and taking accountability:

“Sean Strickland stepped forward. He made this process easy. He apologized for his behavior. We appreciate someone stepping up, owning something and then a resolution could be come to quickly and with all parties in agreement.”

The Incident

The incident occurred at a Tuff-N-Uff amateur event when Miles Hunsinger, a fighter trained by Strickland, was submitted by Luis Hernandez via guillotine choke. After securing the win, Hernandez taunted Hunsinger’s corner with a professional wrestling-style crotch chop celebration. Sean Strickland and fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis immediately rushed the cage. Strickland landed a punch on Hernandez, while Curtis engaged physically but did not throw a strike. In the aftermath, Hernandez expressed that he held no grudges and even hoped the commission wouldn’t punish Strickland or Curtis. Despite his ple a, the NAC ruled Strickland’s actions warranted formal sanctions.

A Short Setback

While the suspension temporarily sidelines Strickland. The door remains open for a quicker return if he completes the anger management program. Given his status as a former UFC champion and high-profile contender, Strickland’s absence likely won’t extend long into the fall.

For now, Strickland joins a growing list of fighters who have faced disciplinary action for crossing the line outside of sanctioned competition.