Sean Strickland Responds to Jon Anik’s Criticism of MMA Fanbase

Sean Strickland has slammed UFC commentator Jon Anik for voicing his frustration with the mixed martial arts fan base.

Anik recently revealed his heightened frustration with MMA fans due to the negativity he received following Strickland’s UFC 297 title loss against Dricus Du Plessis. Strickland dropped a closely-contested split decision against “Stillknocks” in a fight that was viewed as a toss-up. According to Anik, MMA fans responded with hatred no matter how objectively analysts tried to explain Du Plessis’ victory. The UFC color commentator even went to the extent of teasing a career switch to the NFL.

“I am growing tired of this MMA space a little bit and just the morass of negativity when there is a close fight,” Anik said on the Anik & Florian podcast. “Because even if you and I both thought Dricus Du Plessis won the fight, we try to present that information respectfully. When I go onto X or I go to our YouTube comments, it just seems like a lot of these fans are just in attack mode. I don’t know if these fans are casual fans or not, but I appreciate the passion. But I’m getting to the point at 45 years of age where I don’t know how much time I have left in this MMA space because if I go do pro football, I’m not going to necessarily be dealing with this lowest common denominator all the time. I don’t know, man.

“I just feel like there’s a lot of malice and disrespect from the fanbase. We can disagree. Don’t take it from me. Demetrious Johnson and Kenny Florian thought DDP won the fight. I don’t know. I’ve just been very off-put with the negativity that has permeated my feed since Saturday night. I’m just not sure how much longer I have in this space.”

According to Strickland, Anik should probably consider a switch to the NFL given his frustration with MMA fans.

“What [I’d] say to Jon Anik calling [MMA] fans ‘the lowest common denominator:’ These people are the way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most,” Strickland wrote. “Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA. Also, you guys are a bunch of savage c—ts. I’m here for it.”

What id say to Jon Anik calling mma fans" The lowest common denominator"

These people are way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most... Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA....

Also you guys are a bunch of savage cunts.. I'm here for it.....

— (@SStricklandMMA) January 27, 2024

Anik has since issued an apology to MMA fans, taking responsibility for his comments while also saying that they were sensationalized.

“Last week on my podcast, I was in a heightened emotional state following myriad allegations of bias at UFC 297 and I made some regrettable comments relating to the MMA fan base,” Anik wrote on Instagram. “While I was surprised at the extent to which my comments were re-purposed and sensationalized, I need to be more responsible on an open microphone.

“So much work goes into the execution of just one UFC pay-per-view, so it can be tough when my integrity on the broadcast is called into question. That doesn’t excuse my retort. I am just a fiery, passionate, flawed, empathetic guy and sometimes my emotions lead the dance. To those MMA fans whom I’ve offended, I am sorry. That was not my intention. For 12 years, I’ve prided myself on being accessible to the fan base, and that will continue. I’ve learned a lot over the last 48 hours. On to Anaheim…”

Multiple fighters have come out in support of Anik amid the backlash from fans:

Don’t ever come for my man Jon Anik! https://t.co/l5PTTxmxYN

— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) January 26, 2024

Sometimes you just need a break from the madness. For the record Anik is a solid dude

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 26, 2024

Jon Anik @Jon_Anik you’re legend 💪

— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) January 26, 2024

As the great @ForrestGriffin told me many years ago - post, don't read. Jon is truly brilliant at what he does. Stay at it brother, just avoid the comments. https://t.co/4U8tdvrKby

— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) January 26, 2024

As a fighter I feel seen 🥹 https://t.co/niMIspErqD

— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 26, 2024

Jon anik is the man ! @Jon_Anik the best we have guys

— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) January 25, 2024

My man @Jon_Anik is a legend on the commentary! https://t.co/g15ALcUxLh

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 25, 2024

Only fanbase I know that considers people at the highest level bums or that they be able to beat them themselves

MMA fans as a whole suck https://t.co/2VFWFNBpVx

— Jay Perrin (@Joker_Gang35) January 25, 2024

Y’all better not make Jon Anik quit

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) January 25, 2024

My 2 yr old son said “Dad, if you attempt to appease or seek the majority of mma fans approval then it is inevitably a fool’s errand that leads to a path of mediocrity & inauthenticity. Care more about opinions of other experts in the field and those close to you.” https://t.co/4InwORpQy3

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) January 25, 2024

Anik is the gold standard I am chasing in this sport. Toxic fans better quit or the overall level of professionalism in MMA broadcasting could take a HUGE hit https://t.co/epUUuYJyz8

— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) January 25, 2024