Sean Strickland has sparked backlash after posting a controversial image referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the aftermath of Renee Good’s death. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and talented poet and guitarist, was fatally shot by an ICE agent shortly after relocating to Minneapolis, leading to nationwide protests and intense public debate.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan described the event as “horrific” while openly expressing his criticism of ICE. Meanwhile, Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, has drawn sharp criticism for his choice to use the ICE subject to promote his upcoming fight despite the tragedy’s sensitivity.
Details of Strickland’s Upcoming Fight and Controversial Social Media Post
Strickland has not fought since UFC 312 in February 2025 but is scheduled to return next month in a high-stakes middleweight title eliminator against Anthony Hernandez, a rising contender from Houston, Texas. Hernandez is currently enjoying an eight-fight winning streak, with notable victories over fighters such as Edmen Shahbazyan, Brendan Allen, and Roman Dolidze.
The winner of this bout is expected to earn a shot at the UFC middleweight title, making the fight a critical moment for both athletes. Ahead of the February 21 fight, Strickland shared a mock promotional poster on Instagram showing himself dressed in an ICE uniform alongside Hernandez depicted in a sombrero and poncho.
On the social media platform X, Strickland captioned the image with:
If you cant laugh at this you’re a c**t. Go away.
This post drew widespread condemnation for being insensitive and poorly timed.
One critic commented:
Nah, its just insensitive. Put your macho ego aside & be considerate of others for once. You’d hate to be the one on the other side,
while another simply stated:
What an embarrassing pile of sh*t.
Strickland’s Response to Renee Good’s Death and Public Reaction
Following the shooting, videos showing the incident have circulated and intensified public outrage over the conduct of the ICE agent involved. Strickland reacted to slow-motion footage that appeared to show Good striking the agent by remarking: Darwinsim in full effect…. His commentary on social media has been consistently provocative, having previously drawn criticism for a “disturbing” reply concerning Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Broader Impact and Upcoming Developments in the UFC
Sean Strickland’s controversial post has amplified discussions about the role social media plays in shaping public opinion around serious incidents like Renee Good’s death. His fight against Hernandez remains highly anticipated, given both fighters’ stakes in the UFC middleweight division hierarchy. The clash in Houston may well determine the next title contender, but Strickland’s social media conduct has overshadowed much of the pre-fight buildup, drawing attention to the ethical responsibilities of public figures during sensitive moments.
