A video posted to Sean Strickland’s Instagram account shows the former UFC middleweight champion visiting a Boston church displaying Pride and transgender flags before appearing to spit in its direction.
In the clip, Strickland addressed his followers while standing outside the church.
“You guys, I went to Boston, and obviously my first stop was the Boondock Saints Church, because, you know, why not?” he said before gesturing toward the building. “Look at this s**t. Pride flags. I spit on you to defile an icon like Boondock Saints.”
The video quickly reignited scrutiny of the outspoken former champion, whose public conduct has repeatedly generated controversy throughout his UFC career and created tension around the promotion’s relationship with broadcast partner ESPN.
The incident comes during a turbulent stretch for Strickland. He recently made headlines after being escorted out of the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest in Washington, D.C., by Secret Service personnel after reportedly attending despite being barred from the event.
Strickland claimed he had been excluded because of comments he made criticizing individuals connected to President Donald Trump. After being removed, he praised a fan who allegedly helped him gain entry.
“To the fan that snuck me in…” Strickland wrote afterward. “You’re a f***ing legend and a true America. You did what the UFC wouldn’t.”
He later posted another video that appeared to be filmed inside a law enforcement vehicle.
The latest controversy also follows another incident earlier this month involving Strickland’s social media activity. To mark the beginning of Pride Month, the UFC star shared an AI-generated video depicting himself in a ring fig hting transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, whose 2023 partnership with Bud Light became the center of a highly publicized political and cultural backlash.
Alongside the post, Strickland wrote, “I’ve yet to see one rainbow flag. We’re back!!!” He later added on X, “Say what you want about Trump but June has returned to normal….”
