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Demetrious Johnson Gives Sean Strickland 'Props' For Sneako Sparring Beatdown: 'I Would've Knee'd Him In The Liver...'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Curtis Calhoun | Last updated 2/13/24

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson feels Sean Strickland should get some credit for how he conducted himself in his spar with Rumble streamer Sneako.

Strickland invited Sneako to have a boxing sparring match with him at the UFC PI last weekend in Las Vegas. After a cordial meetup at a local event, the two went toe-to-toe in the ring, with Strickland landing heavy exchanges before the session was abruptly stopped.

In case you missed it, you can watch the full Strickland vs. Sneako sparring match here.

Social media has been torn with their reactions to Strickland's sparring beatdown of Sneako. Some believe his output was too excessive against an athlete of Sneako's experience, and that the hard blows to the head were unnecessary.

But, Johnson gives Strickland credit for picking his shots wisely rather than landing a potential knockout punch to the body.

Demetrious Johnson Breaks Down Sean Strickland vs. Sneako Spar

In a recent breakdown on his YouTube channel, Johnson reacted to Strickland's viral sparring match with Sneako.

"Props to Sean Strickland, because nine out of ten times, influencers think they have a chance," Johnson said. "But when you actually get in there with somebody who's skilled, it's a whole different ballgame. No matter who it is...

"If Sean hit him with one good shot to the liver, he's falling, your body is going to seize and fall. It would've been game over. I probably would've hit him to the liver or solar plexus to stop him."

Johnson is one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history and is in the all-time best conversation. He's still under contract with ONE Championship and could return to the cage in the coming months.

Strickland is looking to get back on track after a narrow defeat to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Before that, he won the middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 last year.

Sneako's toughness against Strickland was impressive, and Johnson feels Strickland could've done more to land a knockout blow and should be credited for not doing so.

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

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