Sean Strickland didn’t mince words after his brief appearance at the influencer-driven Brand Risk 14 event, making it clear he regretted showing up almost immediately after it ended.
The reigning UFC middleweight champion was present at the show, even stepping in on commentary for one of the bouts. But what he witnessed inside the venue clearly didn’t sit well with him.
Taking to Instagram shortly after leaving, Strickland delivered a brutally honest reaction.
“I’ve never been a part of anything so shameful in my life, and I hate myself,” Strickland said on his Instagram Stories. “And I feel like less of a man after being here. Oh God, why did I agree to this?”
The event, which featured a mix of influencer fights and unconventional matchups, left Strickland visibly disturbed. While he initially appeared to be going along with the spectacle during the broadcast, his tone shifted completely once he exited the arena.
“I had to get the f— out of there,” he added. “I like Adin, but I’m sick to my stomach. That is the most f—ed up thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life.”
According to Strickland, his appearance wasn’t about the event itself but rather supporting people he knows, including content creator Adin Ross. Still, the experience quickly turned into something he wanted no part of.
“I was just trying to say hi to a friend, next thing you know, your dignity is gone,” he said. “I’m ready to go home and look myself in the mirror. I’ve never done anything so shameful in my life being a part of this.”
Beyond just the event, Strickland also voiced concerns about the broader direction of entertainment culture, particularly the influence of streaming personalities.
“You take these streamers and they have this massive following,” he said. “You just know they’re the next generation… It’s so bad. I just want it all to stop.”