UFC’s Strickland in six-month ban after cage melee

Former UFC champion Sean Strickland has been suspended from fighting for six months after his part in a brawl at a mixed martial arts event in Las Vegas on 29 June.

Strickland, 34, was working as a cornerman for Miles Hunsinger at a Tuff-N-Uff event when he attacked another fighter following a bout.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) will reduce the suspension to four-and-a-half months if Strickland completes an anger management course.

A fine of £3,730 ($5,000) plus legal fees was also issued to the American.

Strickland reacted angrily to Luis Hernandez’s taunting of Husinger after their middleweight fight.

Fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis was also involved in the melee, with Strickland shown on camera throwing punches at Hernandez.

NSAC chairman Dallas Haun said that Strickland’s immediate apology “made this process easy”.

Haun explained: “He apologised for his behaviour.

“We appreciate someone stepping up, owning something and then a resolution could be come to quickly and with all parties in agreement.”

Curtis was fined £1,860 for his involvement, but avoided a suspension.

The ban ends on 29 December, unless it is reduced.

Strickland is a controversial figure in the UFC, often making inflammatory comments on women’s rights and saying women’s MMA was unwatchable.