Amanda Nunes responds to Sean Strickland’s sexist comments: ‘Don’t cry, man’
MMA Fighting
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
MMA legend Amanda Nunes responded to Sean Strickland's controversial remarks during a media day for his upcoming fight with Anthony Hernandez. Strickland dismissed women’s MMA, claiming society has been overly empowered by allowing women to pursue fighting, and questioned whether anyone cares about the sport. In response, Nunes highlighted that women in MMA do indeed perform all the roles he mentioned, including being fighters, and mocked his comment with her own Instagram post, ending it with a Portuguese phrase translated as “Don’t cry, man.”
Strickland’s comments have drawn criticism for their sexist tone and disregard for female athletes’ contributions to the sport. Nunes, a two-division UFC champion and Hall of Famer, has been preparing to challenge Kayla Harrison for the 135-pound belt later this year. Her response underscores the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect in women’s MMA.
The incident highlights broader issues of gender inequality within sports. Strickland’s remarks reflect outdated attitudes that belittle female athletes’ achievements. In contrast, Nunes
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/19/2026