After Luis Hernandez defeated Miles Hunsinger at Tuff-N-Uff show on June 29th 2025, after making an offending taunt towards his opponent’s corner he caused immediate and heated reaction by Sean Strickland (Hunsinger’s coach) and Chris Curtis, both confronting Hernandez inside the cage. As a result of this eventful turn of events the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspended Strickland until further disciplinary actions had taken place and extended this suspension until August.
Strickland expressed his frustration and eagerness to participate in an exhibition boxing match while suspended, prompting fighters from Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – of which Jake Botswick is part-owner – to challenge Strickland to an exhibition bout and showcase their abilities as boxers. Jake Botswick offered up one such bout against Leonel Carrera with only 53 seconds being required for knockout victory; after this spectacular win Jake Botswick then challenged Strickland directly and voiced his intentions of engaging him into boxing bout. Jake Botswick issued open challenge towards Strickland as part of this promotion that showed their eagerness in showing what talent boxing had come into this sport and proved their skillfulness at boxing skills by knockout victory and openly challenged Strickland to match. He expressed eagerness and eagerness at showing what abilities existed within.
While Strickland’s response remains pending, the possibility of an exhibition match faces regulatory hurdles given his current suspension status. Historical precedents, such as Chael Sonnen’s inability to compete in the U.S. following a two-year NSAC ban, suggest complications in sanctioning such a fight. However, the challenge stands as a potential future opportunity for Strickland upon resolution of his suspension.
Rematch Anticipation: Israel Adesanya Eyes Second Fight with Sean Strickland
Strickland surprised everyone at UFC 293, winning by unanimous decision over Israel Adesanya to capture middleweight championship belt. Adesanya expressed his wish for a rematch, openingly discussing Strickland’s impactful performance against him and wanting a chance at redemption; recalling their fight, Adesanya called out humorously yet seriously for another chance at taking down Strickland; suggesting even three fights should he win one more bout against Strickland if circumstances allow.
Combat sports fans now eagerly anticipate what the future will hold for these athletes, such as whether or not an exhibition bout between Strickland and Botswick materializes, or Adesanya attempts reclaim his glory against Strickland again? Time will only tell which matchup comes to fruition once Strickland completes his suspension period.