UFC middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland confessed to harboring uncertainties leading into the UFC 328 championship event last night.
On Saturday, Sean Strickland triumphed over Khamzat Chimaev, thereby becoming a two-time UFC middleweight champion. This outcome was widely perceived as a considerable upset by many enthusiasts, and while Sean himself might not place excessive importance on the physical belt, it marks an exceptional achievement for an individual frequently overlooked within the realm of mixed martial arts.
Naturally, Strickland’s victory in the contest was not anticipated by many, given Chimaev’s status as the favored competitor due to his formidable approach and unblemished record. Ultimately, however, the American fighter demonstrated perseverance and conquered the challenges.
During a podcast appearance subsequent to the fight, Strickland conveyed the following sentiments regarding his mindset prior to UFC 328.
Strickland Confesses Pre-UFC 328 Apprehensions
“Honestly, before every single fight I’ve ever had, about half an hour to forty minutes beforehand, I always believe I’m going to lose. I simply enter the octagon and compete. Yes, I’m being completely earnest; I’ve never once believed I would win a bout.”
“You merely have to embody the person you aspire to be. Simply because you have doubts, how do you demonstrate your worth? You take action. I’ve never, not once, anticipated securing a victory.”
“Each of us carries an internal monologue. Do you truly believe there isn’t a voice in my mind that observes a formidable, bearded Chechen, watching him dominate every contender in the weight class? Do you imagine I lack an inner voice exclaiming, ‘Oh shoot, oh shoot’? We all possess that inner dialogue.”
“You simply need to harden up and embody the man you strive to be.”
Statements sourced from Bloody Elbow
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