Sean Strickland has never been one to shy away from candid revelations about his martial arts journey, and his recent comments about traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training have certainly caught the attention of combat sports fans worldwide.
During an interview with ‘The Schmo,’ the UFC middleweight contender opened up about a lesser-known aspect of his grappling background that fundamentally changed his approach to training. What many fans may not realize is that behind Strickland’s striking-heavy style lies a legitimate black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – a credential that came with hard-earned lessons about the realities of high-level competition.
The turning point in Strickland’s relationship with traditional grappling came during his 2017 encounter with Kamaru Usman at UFC 210. Reflecting on that experience, Strickland revealed how his approach to ground work was forever altered by that particular bout.
“You guys don’t know this, but I’m actually a black belt,”
Strickland disclosed, surprising many who primarily associate him with his aggressive striking game. However, his black belt credentials were put to the ultimate test against Usman, an opponent whose wrestling pedigree would prove overwhelming.
The experience proved to be a harsh reality check for the California native.
“I fought Kamaru Usman, and I was going for f***ing arm bars and triangles, and he was bouncing my head off the mat,”
Strickland explained, painting a vivid picture of the physical dominance he encountered.
The former welterweight champion’s ability to neutralize Strickland’s ground game while inflicting punishment created a lasting impression on the middleweight.
The psychological impact of that experience proved to be just as significant as the physical toll. Strickland’s frank assessment of his emotional state during the encounter reveals the mental challenges that elite athletes face when their skills are tested at the highest level.
“Once I experienced that level of f***ing misery, I said, f*** the gi, I’m never wearing that thing again,”
Strickland declared, marking a definitive shift in his training philosophy.
Strickland’s experience mirrors that of other elite grapplers who have found themselves better suited to no-gi competition. The fundamental differences between gi and no-gi grappling can create vastly different outcomes for athletes, depending on their athletic background and natural abilities.
Sean Strickland has continued to provoke the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community, frequently mocking the discipline despite holding a black belt himself. His antics peaked when he threw his BJJ black belt in the trash last year, calling the art ineffective for MMA. Most recently, he posted a meme ridiculing the awkward positions BJJ practitioners often find themselves in, questioning why anyone trains in it. Strickland’s trolling doesn’t stop at jiu-jitsu—his confrontational persona extends to feuds with public figures like Machine Gun Kelly, while also showing a more nuanced side by admitting intimidation when first meeting Gabi Garcia. Interestingly, he did reconcile with a BJJ black belt and Navy SEAL through a sparring session that ended in Strickland’s favor and earned him unexpected respect from the community.
Sean rat Strickland infront of muslim kamaru goat usman 🔥🤣pic.twitter.com/BBlEvRtsez https://t.co/ljj2TdyBL6
— Ramadan🇵🇸 (@unfazed_cali) January 3, 2025
