UFC Middleweight Champ Sean Strickland Explains Why He Loves America After Random Uber Ride
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland shared an unfiltered moment of appreciation for the United States after a chance encounter with his Uber driver, calling America the best country in the world.
The comments came during a recent ride captured on video, where the outspoken champion reflected on the driver’s personal story while riding through city streets.
The conversation began with Strickland addressing the driver about a recent fighter the man apparently supported. “So bro, you say you like the guy that beat Hamza?” Strickland asked.
The driver confirmed. Strickland replied, “Yeah, no, he was tough. Kind of loud though, kind of arrogant.” He later added, “Yeah, he’s a little loud, right?”
The driver offered his own take, noting that fighters sometimes elevate their personalities “a little bit up, you know, because to entertain people.” Strickland responded simply, “Yeah, now I feel you, dog.”
The tone shifted when Strickland turned the camera toward himself and addressed viewers directly. He highlighted the driver’s background as the reason for his strong feelings about the country.
“So guys, this is why I love America, right?” Strickland said. “Random Uber ride, meet a guy, Afghanistan immigrant, comes to America after working with the US military, has four kids, has a paid off house, man, fucking love this country. Best country in the world. Best love country in the world.”
The remarks fit Strickland’s long-established pattern of speaking candidly on topics ranging from culture to politics, often without filter. In this case, the champion used a brief, everyday interaction to underscore what he sees as opportunity available in the United States.
Strickland has already fought twice in 2026. He stopped Anthony Hernandez via third-round TKO in February before capturing the middleweight belt against Chimaev three months later. Both performances reinforced his reputation for durability and pressure fighting at 185 pounds.
The champion has indicated interest in a third appearance before the end of the year. In late June he told fans he is targeting a December return once he fully recovers, noting he simply wants to avoid getting out of shape during the downtime.
Whether that next bout becomes a title defense or another high-profile matchup remains to be determined by the UFC. For now, Strickland continues to generate attention both inside the Octagon and through the unscripted moments he chooses to share outside it.
