Sean Strickland Lauds PFL’s Sadibou Sy as ‘Best Striker’ in Sparring
Sean Strickland, the UFC middleweight champion, has high regard for Sadibou Sy, the reigning PFL welterweight champion, especially when it comes to striking. Strickland, preparing for his own title fight at UFC 297, shared his experiences of sparring with Sy, one of his main training partners at Xtreme Couture. Sy (16-6-2 MMA, 10-4-2 PFL) is set to rematch Magomed Magomedkerimov in their welterweight final at the 2023 PFL Championship event on Friday.
Strickland, with a record of 28-5 in MMA and 15-5 in UFC, praised Sy’s striking, describing it as a significant challenge during their sparring sessions.
“Sadi is the best striker I’ve ever sparred,” Strickland said on his YouTube channel.
He humorously recounted his frustration during sparring sessions with Sy, highlighting Sy’s calculated and intellectual approach to striking. Strickland emphasized that high-level striking is not just about physical prowess but also involves a significant mental aspect, akin to an IQ test.
The 2023 PFL Championship event is scheduled for Friday at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., featuring a main card on pay-per-view (ESPN+) following prelims on ESPN+.
Strickland’s admiration for Sy’s striking skills underscores the respect and camaraderie that exists among elite fighters across different MMA promotions.
