UFC star Sean Strickland is known for speaking his mind, but this time, his blunt commentary isn’t about a rival fighter—it’s about late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and the FCC. Strickland is criticizing what he sees as government overreach after Kimmel’s suspension from ABC, saying the situation sets a dangerous precedent for free speech.
The Spark: Kimmel vs. The FCC
The controversy began when Jimmy Kimmel made heated remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk on air. His comments drew the attention of FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who publicly warned ABC and its affiliates to respond—or face potential consequences.
Following Carr’s statements, some networks pulled Kimmel’s show from their schedules. ABC suspended him, igniting a debate about whether government pressure crossed the line into censorship.
Strickland’s Unfiltered Opinion
Taking to social media, Strickland surprised fans by defending Kimmel, a host he admits he doesn’t particularly like.
“Unpopular take,” Strickland posted, “but the FCC overstepped with Jimmy Kimmel. He didn’t get canceled—ABC was threatened by an FCC Chair appointed by Trump. F*** Jimmy Kimmel, but the government shouldn’t be used as a political weapon.”
He argued that broadcasters were cornered into reacting, calling the FCC’s warnings a troubling example of government influence on media content.
Why It Matters Beyond MMA
Strickland’s comments echo a larger conversation about free speech and political power. Even though he’s a fighter, not a media analyst, his remarks have resonated with many who fear that pressure from regulatory agencies could chill open debate.
Whether or not people agree with Kimmel’s original remarks, the backlash—and Strickland’s defense—has turned a late-night TV dispute into a bigger discussion about constitutional freedoms.
The Bigger Picture
Strickland’s stance shows that the conversation around media, politics, and speech is bigger than partisan divides—or even sports rivalries. His willingness to defend someone he doesn’t support personally reinforces a simple but powerful point: defending free expression matters, even when you dislike the speaker.
For now, the FCC’s actions and Kimmel’s suspension will remain hot topics, and Strickland’s voice has ensured the MMA world is part of that conversation, too.
