She changed his life: Coach credits Sean Strickland’s girlfriend for UFC 293 win

15 September 2023

In a heartwarming revelation following Sean Strickland's remarkable victory at UFC 293, his coach, Eric Nicksick, has acknowledged the pivotal role played by Sean's girlfriend in securing the win.

Nicksick, deeply moved by the impact of this relationship on his fighter's life, expressed his sentiments, saying, "She changed that man's life." The emotional exchange took place immediately after Strickland's triumphant performance.

During a post-fight moment, Nicksick shared a heartfelt embrace with Sean Strickland's girlfriend, emphasizing the profound influence she has had on the fighter's journey. Nicksick's words resonated with the significance of the moment as he continued, "You showed him it's OK to love and be loved. And you've provided him an opportunity to open his heart, to be coached, to be coachable."

In the lead-up to the bout, Sean Strickland himself acknowledged the positive impact of his relationship. In an interview with Helen Yee, he openly expressed, "I have a girlfriend who I love very much. I said it. She makes me a better man."

This heartwarming narrative of love, support, and personal growth culminated in a historic victory for Sean Strickland. At UFC 293, Strickland secured a stunning decision victory over Israel Adesanya, earning him the prestigious title of UFC Middleweight Champion.

The triumph not only marked a significant moment in Strickland's career but also highlighted the profound impact of love and support in the world of professional sports.

Strickland asserted dominance throughout the bout, landing the most impactful punches and causing Adesanya trouble late in the first round, thereby establishing the fight's tone. In each successive round, Strickland consistently dictated the pace, pushing the champion on the defensive, and ensuring there were no easy targets for Adesanya's strikes. Over the course of five rounds, Adesanya struggled to find his mark while Strickland maintained relentless pressure, delivering powerful combinations in intermittent bursts.

Strickland secured unanimous victories on all three scorecards, with judges scoring the contest 49-46 in his favor, marking one of the most significant championship upsets in UFC history.

“She changed that man’s life.”

Sean Strickland's coach credits Sean's girlfriend for playing a huge role in UFC 293 win pic.twitter.com/JDkAYAUSoU

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 14, 2023