Overview
- Strickland, serving briefly as a guest commentator at Adin Ross’s Brand Risk 14 at the UFC Meta APEX, repeated the N-word on the livestream during a bout and was overheard by viewers.
- He exited the event early and posted that he felt ‘‘ashamed’’ and that he ‘‘hates’’ himself for attending, later asking on social media how to regain his dignity.
- Clips of the comment spread quickly online and provoked immediate backlash while also renewing attention to Strickland’s prior use of racial slurs and past admissions about extremist associations.
- Coverage of Brand Risk 14 has raised separate integrity concerns after post-fight remarks by Ray J suggesting at least one contest may have been pre-arranged, and reporters noted UFC figures were present at the event.
- As of May 26, 2026 there has been no public disciplinary action reported by the UFC or regulators, leaving reputational questions and potential oversight scrutiny over influencer‑promoted cards unresolved.