Sean Strickland’s exchange with the Navy SEALs has brought David Goggins into the fray.
Strickland (29-6) has been engaged in a bitter feud with Navy SEALs since February, claiming that none of them could stand a week of training with him. Predictably, Strickland received some harsh backlash from the SEALs, but recently one of them showed up to spar with the former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion. Strickland was ruthless, thoroughly beating former Navy SEAL turned mixed martial artist Mitch Aguiar.
Now Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and fitness motivation influencer, has issued a challenge to Strickland.
“This is your chance to show the world that you can crush me. I’m bringing a camera crew,” Goggins said in a video released by talkSPORT. “You better bring a camera crew because you’re gonna want to get this on camera. Here’s a 49-year-old guy with a broken knee and a broken-down body trying to get you to come to his camp because he thinks you can crush me. So this is your chance. Hey Strickland, I haven’t forgotten about your video. I hope to see you there.”
Strickland quickly accepted Goggins’ challenge, though he acknowledged that a seasoned ultramarathoner would likely beat him in the race.
“Goggins, I hear you want a bite. I accept the challenge,” Strickland said. “Just so you know, the only thing you can ever beat me at life is running. But I don’t have to run. You can run for me.”
It’s unclear what Strickland expects beyond a run for Goggins’ side, but he certainly has a penchant for violence.
In addition to attending UFC events, Goggins has also been in Tony Ferguson’s camp in preparation for his fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 in December 2023. Strickland was also in attendance at the event and tried to give Goggins some advice in his corner, but it didn’t help much, as “El Cucuy” suffered seven consecutive knockdowns.
Strickland is fresh off his title loss to Dorricus du Plessis with a split decision win over Paulo Costa last month at UFC 302. Determined to fight for the title next, Strickland has repeatedly turned down a title bout with Robert Whittaker.
