Sean Strickland recalls trying to fight UFC legend as a child

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland recounted a childhood encounter with Tank Abbott while addressing scrutiny over a recent fan interaction. In an Instagram video, Strickland said he first met UFC veteran Tank Abbott at a Huntington Beach bar when he was about 9 or 10. He also drew attention for a meet-and-greet moment in which he urged a young fan to make a rude gesture. Strickland, coming off an upset win over Anthony Hernandez, is scheduled to challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight title at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. He said Abbott spent the night talking with him after realizing the situation, a memory he links to current interactions with young fans.