In a show of solidarity with Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder following his recent legal troubles, UFC middleweight Sean Strickland has released a playful wrestling demonstration video that’s quickly gaining attention across social media platforms.
The video, posted to Strickland’s Instagram account, shows the UFC fighter engaging in what he calls “real wrestling” with a training partner while making explicit references to Snyder’s situation.
“What’s the one thing in life you can do for free, but you can’t pay for?” Strickland asks at the beginning of the clip before declaring, “We’re about to do some real wrestling in honor of my boy, Snyder.”
The short video features Strickland and his partner in a humorous grappling exchange that ends with Strickland declaring, “Hey, Kyle, it’s for you, man. Free Kyle Snyder.”
This public display of support comes in the wake of Snyder’s May 9 arrest during a sting operation in Columbus, Ohio. Police bodycam footage shows the decorated wrestler being handcuffed at a Quality Inn and Suites after allegedly responding to an online escort advertisement. According to police reports, authorities confiscated $160 in cash from Snyder as evidence.
The 28-year-old wrestling star, whose accolades include two Olympic medals, seven World Championship medals, and three NCAA National Championships, was released at the scene with a court appearance scheduled for May 19.
Snyder recently addressed the situation on social media, writing: “I want to thank everyone who has reached out with kindness and support. My focus is on my relationship with the Lord Jesus and my family. This is not conclusion of my journey,” followed by a Bible reference to 1 Peter 4:17-18.
The incident has sparked debate within the wrestling community, particularly from wrestler Pat Downey, who has criticized USA Wrestling and Flowrestling for what he describes as “blatant hypocrisy” in their handling of Snyder’s case compared to other disciplinary matters.
In Instagram posts, Downey referenced his own experience with USA Wrestling in 2020, when he lost his affiliation with the New Jersey Regional Training Center after comments about women’s wrestling. Downey clarified that his criticism was not directed at Snyder personally but at what he perceives as inconsistent standards from wrestling’s governing bodies.
“My post has nothing to do with Kyle Snyder or anything to do with team Scarlet. My posts are targeted towards the blatant hypocrisy and nepotism displayed by the USA Wrestling governing body & flo wrestling,” Downey wrote.
Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, has been vocal in his support for Snyder across multiple social media posts, questioning the legality of prostitution laws and referring to Snyder as an “American hero.”
The controversy comes at an interesting time in Snyder’s career, as he recently signed a contract with the newly formed Real American Freestyle league, a venture launched by WWE Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.
