Sean Strickland ROASTS Jon Anik over leaving MMA comments

Despite being a UFC mainstay for over a decade, Jon Anik now might be on his way out of the sport. While many support the 45-year-old, Sean Strickland has taken a different approach.

Anik is considered one of the best play-by-play commentators in the history of combat sports, but his 12-year career with the UFC may be coming to an end. The Boston native had a recent run-in with toxic fans which left him contemplating his future.

After the comments were made, fans and fighters alike showed their gratitude for Jon Anik for his brilliant work under the UFC banner. In typical Sean Strickland fashion, he had a unique view on the matter and made his thoughts known on social media.

“What I’d say to Jon Anik calling MMA fans ‘the lowest common denominator’,” Strickland said in reaction to Anik’s comments.  “These people are why you have a paycheck and you make way more than most.”

“Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA… Also, you guys are a bunch of savage c*nts. I’m here for it.”

What id say to Jon Anik calling mma fans” The lowest common denominator”

These people are way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most… Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA….

Also you guys are a bunch of savage cunts.. I’m here for it…..

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) January 27, 2024

Sean Strickland is no stranger to controversial statements but this one has divided opinion. Many of his cult following have sided with his comments, while others continue to stick by Anik and believe he doesn’t deserve the negativity coming his way.

The strange altercation involving Anik stemmed from the commentator’s reaction to Strickland’s recent defeat to Dricus Du Plessis.

Jon Anik scored the fight for the eventual winner Du Plessis, which didn’t sit well with some fans. He then became a target for a select group of online trolls, causing him to speak out against it during a recent episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast.

Related: Sean Strickland coach takes responsibility for UFC 297 loss

“Because even if you and I both thought Dricus Du Plessis won the fight, we try to present that information respectfully. And when I go into X or I go to our YouTube comments, it seems like a lot of these fans are just in attack mode.”

“I appreciate the passion, but I’m getting to a point at 45 years of age where I don’t know how much time I have left in this MMA space.”

Watch the full episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast below.