Sean Strickland, the newly crowned UFC middleweight champion, has sparked significant criticism for his recent comments regarding Anderson Silva, a fighter often hailed as the greatest middleweight of all time. Following his victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, Strickland claimed, “I’d [expletive] him up,” suggesting that modern fighters have surpassed previous generations. However, fans quickly took to social media to express their disbelief, highlighting Silva's impressive record, which includes the longest title reign in UFC history and numerous championship accolades. Silva's induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023 further emphasizes his legendary status. Critics argue that Strickland's statements reveal a lack of understanding of Silva's elite striking and grappling skills. Many fans believe that Strickland's fighting style, which focuses on defense rather than aggression, would not hold up against Silva's dynamic techniques. The backlash illustrates the deep respect fans have for Silva's legacy and the skepticism towards Strickland's self-assessment.