Sean Strickland: ‘I hate myself’ for attending ‘f*cked up’ Manziel vs. Menery event

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland expressed regret over attending Saturday's Brand Risk 14 event at the Meta APEX, which featured celebrity and influencer boxing and MMA matches involving ex-NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel and social media personality Bob Menery. Strickland, who served as a guest commentator for one bout, took to Instagram Stories to voice his dissatisfaction with the card, saying he felt ashamed for participating. "I've never been a part of anything so shameful in my life and I hate myself," Strickland wrote, adding that he left early and felt "like less of a man after being here." The event, promoted by streamer Adin Ross, drew widespread criticism from the combat sports community despite its celebrity lineup. Strickland's candid condemnation adds to growing backlash against celebrity-driven combat sports events that prioritize entertainment and social media reach over legitimate athletic competition.