Sean Strickland Lands In Controversy Following His Scathing WNBA Comments

In the recent past, the sports realm has been witnessing a renewed debate around transgender eligibility in the WNBA. The issue started to spiral after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced that they would be in the 2027 WNBA draft. Now, as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and company are dealing with this controversial issue, the current UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has shared his take on the matter.

Sean Strickland takes Aim at WNBA amid Transgender Inclusion Debate

After the trans-inclusion debate started creating waves, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expressed her stance against transgender women playing in the WNBA. Following this, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve opposed Cunningham’s opinion. While the matter is already creating a rift in the WNBA community, Strickland sarcastically mocked trans athletes and people who support transgender women participating in women’s sports.

Taking to his X account, ‘Tarzan’ wrote, “Wild people don't like WNBA. The only thing I want to do is hear ugly bi***es tell me how men that cut off their d**ks should be able to play basketball with girls…”

Replying to Strickland’s X post, another X user shared his opinion on the matter, calling out the WNBA for shifting their focus from the sport. The netizen even added that the WNBA should end. Replying to this comment, Strickland further added, “Because girl sports su**”.

Such a stance from the American star has created quite a buzz as several netizens opposed him. However, this isn't the first time that Sean Strickland has entangled his name in a controversy.

Sean Strickland’s Stance Against Australia’s Laws Infuriated Country's Media

Back in February 2025, right before his title fight against Australian star Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312, Strickland’s blatant comments left Australian fans and media angered. Just days before the bout was about to unfold in Sydney, Australia, Strickland criticised Australia's laws on freedom of speech.

"I come to this country and speak about freedom of speech, guns, and taxes, and these communists in the media try to put me down. Why? Because you want to control the media and you don't like freedom of speech,” stated Strickland.

He even added that if not for the lack of freedom of speech, he would have also preferred to stay in Australia. This comment from the 35-year-old star enraged the Australian media so much that Australian newspaper the Daily Telegraph published the issue on their back page and wrote: “KNOCK THIS GUY OUT.”

Now, as Strickland continues to get his name involved in controversial issues, only time can tell how the matter around transgender eligibility in the WNBA transpires.