UFC’s most controversial star slams Australia’s ‘pathetic’ response to Port Arthur massacre – as he says country has turned its back on freedom and become ‘communist’
Polarising star Sean Strickland has lived up to his reputation for controversy ahead of UFC 312 by slamming Australia’s ‘pathetic’ response to the Port Arthur massacre, which saw 35 people murdered by Martin Bryant.
Strickland, 33, also suggested the Australian government has turned its back on freedom and become ‘communist’ in a wild rant.
‘You had one mass shooting and gave up all your guns, that was kind of pathetic,’ he said, referencing Australia’s introduction of gun laws after the Tasmanian shooting massacre in 1996.
‘It’s the lack of freedom, dude. ‘How insane is it that we are in a modern country and hate speech is a thing?
Middleweight fighter Strickland ensured he will be public enemy number one in Sydney come Sunday after declaring Australia has ‘too many cameras’, namely at red lights, for wearing seatbelts and detecting excessive speed.
‘It’s a really beautiful country, [but] I would consider Australians as English white trash. Some Irish too,’ the man better known as ‘Tarzan’ stated.
Sean Strickland has ensured he won’t be a favourite with locals ahead of UFC 312 in Sydney after slamming Australia’s ‘pathetic’ response to the Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people were killed in 1996
Strickland (pictured, right) also suggested the Australian government has turned its back on freedom and become ‘communist’ in a wild rant
Another highly anticipated duel on Sunday sees women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang (pictured, top) return to defend her belt against unbeaten Tatiana Suarez in UFC 312
And on Sunday at Sydney Olympic Park, Strickland is seeking revenge in his re-match against Dricus du Plessis.
The US orthodox fighter lost to the South African via split decision last January in Toronto, Canada.
Strickland maintains he only lost after a headbutt restricted his vision in the Octagon, with blood pouring over his face.
‘You know how hard it is when you’ve got that much blood running through your eyes?,’ he told reporters.
‘It would have been an easy fight if it wasn’t for that.’
According to Ticketek, single seats in row two and three this weekend start at a eye-watering $4599.95 each.
Rows 4 and 5 will ‘only’ set fight enthusiasts back $2560.95, with PL6 (Premium Seating) retailing for $553.80.
Another highly anticipated UFC 312 duel sees women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang return to defend her belt against unbeaten Tatiana Suarez.
