Sean Strickland speaks at the UFC 297 Press Conference, inset exclusive banner. Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Two-weight champion tells heart-warming Sean Strickland story after freak accident led to pivotal choice

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Dec 24, 2025 1:06 AM ET

A champ-champ recently experienced a full-circle moment with the former UFC middleweight champion.

Sean Strickland claims he was banned from attending UFC 323 earlier this month having not been able to fight due to a suspension.

His enforced break from the Octagon will come to an end in the new year when he returns to face Anthony Hernandez in Houston, Texas on February 21.

It’s well known that he loves to spar, as evidenced by Strickland fighting three guys at once in recently released footage.

One of the many fighters that he has spent time in the cage with was significantly impacted by their session, only for this to end up being a pivotal moment in his career.

Will Fleury recently reunited with Sean Strickland following a pivotal moment in his career

Will Fleury received praise from Conor McGregor after becoming a two-weight champion in less than a year of being signed to OKTAGON.

However, just two weeks away from his debut in April of 2024, the Irishman suffered a hand injury when sparring with Sean Strickland in Las Vegas.

He made the decision to proceed with the fight and was able to pull off a submission win, which led him down the remarkable path that he’s been on ever since.

Working alongside Johnny Walker meant that Fleury recently crossed paths with Strickland in Vegas for the first time since he left shortly after his injury.

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Fleury, who has also trained with Ateba Gautier ahead of his title defense at OKTAGON 81 on December 28, spoke to Bloody Elbow in a recent interview about this moment.

“We went down to the gym and we just did a couple of rounds together and right after the rounds, he was like, ‘Ah man, it’s great to have you back,’ and we gave each other a bit of a hug or whatever,” Fleury shared. “It’s kind of mad the way this has all worked out unbelievably well. I’ve come back a year and a half later as a double champ.”

The 36-year-old praised Strickland for trying to help him after the injury happened, recalling how happy the former UFC champion was when he told him he’d be going ahead with the fight despite his hand.

“To have him be as supportive as he was over that space of time… it meant a lot to me,” Fleury said. “It was a cool buzz and I was very proud of it.”

Will Fleury now faces a fighter who achieved a lot of success inside the Octagon

Will Fleury has been motivated in recent years by showing people what he is capable of now that he’s finally getting opportunities that he deserves.

The Irishman may not have competed in the UFC, but beating someone who did well in the promotion is a big box for the defending champion to tick off on December 28.

At the O2 Arena in Prague this Sunday, he will face former UFC heavyweight Martin Buday, who went 7-1 in the promotion before controversially departing earlier this year.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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