Strickland is notorious for his unhinged takes on a wide range of topics, so it did not come as surprise to most fight fans when Strickland randomly suggested that China’s biggest exports are plastic and COVID-19.
China's biggest exports..... Plastic and Covid....
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) January 5, 2024
Song seemingly took offense at Strickland’s comments about his country, which according to him are “baseless stereotypes.”
“Hey champ, I respect your skills as a fighter, but we should be talking facts, not baseless stereotypes,” Song wrote on X. “As athletes, we ought to focus on what we know best and avoid making unfounded comments. Let’s set a good example, alright?”
Hey champ, I respect your skills as a fighter, but we should be talking facts, not baseless stereotypes. As athletes, we ought to focus on what we know best and avoid making unfounded comments. Let's set a good example, alright?"
— Song Yadong (@SongYadongLFG) January 6, 2024
Song is currently 10-2-1 in the UFC with his only losses coming against Kyler Phillips and Cory Sandhagen. “Kung Fu Kid” will take a two-fight winning streak into a matchup with former champ Petr Yan at UFC 299 on March 9 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Meanwhile Strickland’s career took a 360-degree turn over the course of the past year. Strickland bounced back from consecutive losses against Alex Pereira and Jared Cannonier with back-to-back victories over Nassourdine Imavov and Abusupiyan Magomedov. A stroke of fate pitted him in a short-notice title bout against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in September. Strickland scored one of the biggest upsets in recent history, completely outstriking Adesanya en route a dominant decision win. The champ is now slated to defend his throne against Dricus Du Plessis in the main event at UFC 297 on Jan. 20 in Toronto.