Gaethje (28-5) recently took the stage to endorse President Donald Trump at the 2026 Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas. The
Ultimate Fighting Championship the lightweight titleholder urged Republican supporters to vote and not settle for winning the 2024 presidential election. Gaethje’s appearance at the event has drawn a reaction from Strickland.
Sean Strickland questions Justin Gaethje’s support for MAGA after speaking at the GOP convention
Strickland (31-7), once a staunch supporter of Trump, has recently become a critic. The UFC middleweight champion is surprised by Gaethje’s continued support for Trump despite alleged broken promises.
Strickland accuses Trump of not keeping his promises on deportations, new wars, the cost of living and government spending. He also mocked Trump’s promise to give every adult a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win the impeachment trial.
“I don’t understand how Justin Goythje (sic) is still SLEEPING on Trumps promises vs record,” Strickland wrote on X. “1. Border, deportation. Partly held 2. No new wars. FAILURE 3. Cost of living. FAILURE 4. Government spending. FAILURE But hey, we all pay your kids for a 5k check.”
I don’t understand how Justin Goythje is still SLEEPING
Trumps promises vs. record
1. Border, deportation. Partially kept
2. No new wars. FAILURE
3. Cost of living. FAILURE
4. Government expenditure. FAILUREBut hey, everyone got a 5k check paid for by your kids 👏 👏 👏
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
10 September 2026
