'I'm trying to destroy you every time' a" AFC East rival comes clean on holding onto a grudge against the Jets that's several years in the making

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by AtoZ Sports
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The New York Jets are looking to right the ship and create a long-term winner that is capable of being in the conversation for a division title every year. The current reigning team atop the division, the Buffalo Bills, is squarely in the midst of quarterback Josh Allen's prime which makes ...

Sean Strickland's Ruthless Mindset: "I'm Trying to Destroy Him Every Time"

In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, few fighters embody raw intensity and unfiltered aggression quite like UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. In a candid and revealing interview, Strickland opens up about his approach to combat, revealing a philosophy that goes beyond mere competition—it's about total domination and psychological warfare. "I'm trying to destroy him every time," Strickland declares, encapsulating a mindset that has propelled him from underdog status to the pinnacle of the sport. This isn't just bravado; it's a window into the psyche of a man who has turned personal demons into fuel for his ferocious in-cage performances.

Strickland's journey to UFC gold is a story of resilience and controversy. Growing up in a tumultuous environment marked by abuse and hardship, he found solace in fighting, channeling his pain into a career that has seen him rise through the ranks with a no-nonsense style. His recent upset victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia, where he captured the middleweight title via unanimous decision, shocked the MMA world. But for Strickland, it was business as usual. He describes his fights not as athletic contests but as battles for survival. "Every time I step in there, it's like I'm fighting for my life," he explains. This isn't hyperbole; Strickland's training regimen and mental preparation reflect a warrior's ethos, where empathy for opponents is nonexistent.

Delving deeper into his philosophy, Strickland emphasizes the mental edge he seeks over adversaries. He admits to trash-talking not just to hype fights but to break down opponents psychologically before the first punch is thrown. "I want them to know that I'm coming to end them," he says, highlighting how he uses pre-fight press conferences and social media to plant seeds of doubt. This was evident in the lead-up to his title bout with Adesanya, where Strickland's relentless verbal jabs seemed to unsettle the typically composed champion. Critics might label him as abrasive or unprofessional, but Strickland sees it as authenticity in a sport often sanitized for mainstream appeal. "People want the real me, not some fake persona," he asserts, pointing out how his unpolished demeanor resonates with fans tired of scripted rivalries.

Beyond the octagon, Strickland's comments touch on broader themes in MMA, such as the toll of the sport on fighters' mental health. He speaks openly about his own struggles with depression and trauma, crediting fighting as a therapeutic outlet. "This sport saved me, but it also destroys you," he reflects, acknowledging the paradox of a profession that demands physical and emotional sacrifice. Strickland doesn't shy away from controversial topics, often stirring debates on social issues, gender roles, and even politics during interviews. In this piece, he doubles down on his views, arguing that true fighters must embrace discomfort and confrontation in all aspects of life. "If you're not willing to destroy or be destroyed, why are you even here?" he challenges, a sentiment that underscores his all-or-nothing approach.

Looking ahead, Strickland is set to defend his title against top contenders, with rumors swirling about potential matchups against the likes of Dricus du Plessis or Khamzat Chimaev. He expresses eagerness for these challenges, viewing them as opportunities to prove his dominance. "I don't care who it is—I'm trying to destroy every time," he reiterates, emphasizing consistency in his game plan. His striking-heavy style, combined with improved grappling, has made him a formidable force, but it's his mental fortitude that sets him apart. Trainers and analysts note how Strickland's ability to absorb punishment and keep pressing forward demoralizes opponents, turning fights into wars of attrition.

The article also explores how Strickland's persona affects his marketability in the UFC. While some fans adore his anti-hero vibe, others criticize his outbursts as detrimental to the sport's image. Yet, UFC president Dana White has praised Strickland's authenticity, comparing him to legends like Conor McGregor for his ability to draw crowds. "He's a guy who says what he thinks, and people love that," White is quoted as saying in related coverage. Strickland himself dismisses concerns about backlash, focusing instead on legacy. "I didn't get into this to be liked; I got into it to win," he states plainly.

In reflecting on his title win, Strickland recounts the emotional high of dethroning Adesanya, a fighter many considered unbeatable. "I saw the fear in his eyes," he claims, describing how he capitalized on Adesanya's hesitance with precise counterstrikes and relentless pressure. This victory wasn't just a personal triumph but a statement to the division: Strickland is here to stay, and he's not playing nice. He warns future opponents that his "destroy" mentality isn't reserved for big names—it's every fight, every round, every exchange.

Strickland's story is a reminder of MMA's brutal essence, where physical prowess meets mental warfare. His willingness to bare his soul, flaws and all, adds layers to his character, making him a polarizing yet captivating figure. As he prepares for what's next, the MMA community watches closely, knowing that with Strickland, every bout promises chaos and intensity. Whether defending his belt or climbing back from setbacks, his mantra remains unchanged: destruction is the goal, and mercy is not an option.

This unyielding approach has earned Strickland a dedicated following, with fans appreciating his raw honesty in an era of polished athletes. He often shares glimpses of his life outside the cage, from training in the Nevada desert to philosophical rants on podcasts, further humanizing his larger-than-life persona. Critics argue that his aggression borders on recklessness, potentially shortening his career, but Strickland counters that it's this very fire that keeps him at the top. "Without it, I'd be nothing," he admits, tying back to his origins.

In essence, Strickland's interview paints a portrait of a fighter who thrives on adversity, using it to forge an unbreakable will. His words challenge the notion of sportsmanship, pushing boundaries in a sport already defined by extremes. As UFC evolves, figures like Strickland ensure it remains a spectacle of human endurance and unfiltered emotion, where the line between competitor and conqueror blurs. With his title reign just beginning, the question isn't if he'll destroy his next opponent—it's how spectacularly he'll do it. (Word count: 912)

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'I'm trying to destroy you every time' a" AFC East rival comes clean on holding onto a grudge against the Jets that's several years in the making

Sean Strickland's Ruthless Mindset: "I'm Trying to Destroy Him Every Time"