Amanda Nunes fires back at Sean Strickland's sexist comments about women's MMA

Former UFC double champion responds to Strickland's controversial rant ahead of his return to the octagon.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Former UFC double champion Amanda Nunes has responded to controversial comments made by middleweight fighter Sean Strickland about women's MMA. Ahead of his return to the UFC following a six-month suspension, Strickland made disparaging remarks about women's sports and fighters like Nunes, claiming 'no one gives a f--- about women's MMA.' Nunes fired back on Instagram, saying 'We do everything he said, and to top it all off, we're fighters too. #Girlpower. Don't cry, dude.'

Why it matters

Strickland's comments have drawn widespread criticism and backlash from the MMA community, including fellow female fighters who have rallied behind Nunes. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and lack of respect that many women athletes still face, even at the highest levels of their sport.

The details

Ahead of his UFC Houston fight against Anthony Hernandez, Strickland was asked about the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight announcement. In his response, Strickland made a series of sexist remarks, claiming 'not many people give a f--- about women's MMA in general' and that the 'weakest, softest motherf------ in here' could beat UFC star Amanda Nunes. Nunes, a former two-division UFC champion, quickly responded on Instagram, telling Strickland 'Don't cry, dude.'

  • Strickland's comments were made during a UFC Houston media day on February 19, 2026, just a day before his fight against Hernandez.
  • Nunes posted her response on Instagram shortly after Strickland's remarks gained widespread attention.

The players

Amanda Nunes

A former two-division UFC champion and one of the most dominant female fighters in MMA history.

Sean Strickland

A UFC middleweight fighter who is set to return to the octagon after a six-month suspension for rushing the cage and throwing punches at his teammate's opponent.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is set to return to MMA to take on Gina Carano.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter and actress who is set to face Ronda Rousey in a highly anticipated return to the sport.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has defended Strickland's right to free speech in the past.

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What they’re saying

“We do everything he said, and to top it all off, we're fighters too. #Girlpower. Don't cry, dude.”

— Amanda Nunes (Instagram)

“If you get your feelings hurt that bad you shouldn't ask these questions when you know the answer you're gonna get from Strickland… You know who he is.”

— Dana White, UFC President (UFC 297 press conference)

What’s next

Strickland is set to headline UFC Houston on February 21, 2026, in a fight against Anthony Hernandez.

The takeaway

Strickland's latest controversial comments about women's MMA highlight the ongoing lack of respect and challenges that many female athletes still face, even at the highest levels of their sport. However, Nunes' defiant response and the support she has received from fellow fighters demonstrate the growing power and influence of women in the sport.