Sean Strickland has caught the attention of David Goggins.
Although he’s adamant to stay out of the Octagon until given another Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title shot, Strickland has stayed busy in the training room. During a recent trip to Japan, Strickland throttled Japanese kickboxer, Rukiya Anpo, before coming home to beat up a Navy SEAL in sparring.
After taunting Goggins, a highly influential figure and former Navy SEAL, as well as the entire army division, the ex-UFC champion has sparked a response. Goggins has stepped up to the challenge, aiming to demonstrate to “Tarzan” that a Hell Week is far from the effortless feat he assumes.
“This is your opportunity to show the world that you can f*ck me up,” Goggins said in a video message (h/t talkSport). “I will have camera crews out there. You make sure you bring your f*cking camera crew out there because you’re going to want to get this on camera.
“He concluded by stating that despite being a 49-year-old with knee issues and a deteriorated body, he is determined to lead a training camp that you believe you can defeat him in. Strickland, this is your chance. I haven’t forgotten about your video, and I look forward to seeing you there as well.”
While he waits for the upcoming title fight between the champion, Dricus du Plessis, and Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 next month (Sat., Aug. 17, 2024), Strickland may have his plate full after accepting the challenge.
“Goggins, I heard you want a piece,” Strickland responded on Instagram. “Challenge accepted.
He finished by stating, “It’s important for you to realize, my friend, that the only area in life where you surpass me is running. However, here’s the thing: I don’t need to run. You run on my behalf.”
Strickland, 33, recently returned to the win column with a split decision win against Paulo Costa at UFC 302 last month (June 29, 2024).