Sean Strickland takes aim at trans community, Eddie Hearn doesn't believe Tyson Fury's retirement, Former UFC champ announces return: MMA News Roundup

Sean Strickland takes aim at thetransgender commuity, Eddie Hearn doesn't believe Tyson Fury has retired and Robert Whittaker provides an update on his UFC return.

Find out more details in today's (Jan. 15) Sportskeeda daily news roundup.

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#3. Sean Strickland takes aim at transgender community in latest social media rant

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland has once again found himself at the heart of controversy after he took to social media to lambast the transgender community.

Over the years, 'Tarzan' has drawn widespread criticism for his opinions on the LGBTQI+ community. His latest tirade has now seen him question the social acceptance of the transgender community whilst using a host of offensive and derogatory language. The former UFC champ wrote:

“Its so odd when I get attacked by the "trans community" You cut your c**k off and got implants and I'm suppose to be offended by what you call me.. I'm just wondering how society hasn't put you in a mental institution yet… I make fun of you and you cut your c**k off lmao.”

Check out all the tweets here:

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#2. Eddie Hearn doesn't believe Tyson Fury's retirement claims

Eddie Hearn, the manager of Anthony Joshua, isn't so sure that Tyson Fury has really retired from boxing.

Last week, 'The Gypsy King' unexpectedly announced he was hanging up his gloves, following his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Dec. 21. The news came as a surprise to fans, as many felt as though Fury and Joshua now looked more set than ever to face-off in 2025.

According to Eddie Hearn, however, Fury's retirement shouldn't be taken so seriously. Speaking in a recent interview with iFL TV, Hearn reminded fans this isn't the first time Tyson Fury has claimed he's done with the sport. Hearn said:

"Listen, one, we don't really take it too seriously. Two, if it is serious, there's nothing we can do about it anyway. What do you think goes on? You think Joshua phones me up, 'Ed! Ed! Have you seen the news, mate?!' He's not that kind of guy... Not one [text from Joshua]. You can't take anything Fury says about that kind of stuff. He could have been doing it because he's got the ump. He could have been doing it for some attention. He could have been doing it because it's true."

Check out Eddie Hearn's comments here (1:55):

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#1. Robert Whittaker provides update on UFC return

Robert Whittaker last fought in the octagon back in October when he faced Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308. The former middleweight champ suffered a devastating loss, tapping out to a face-crank submission in the first round.

Following the defeat, many fans expected 'The Reaper' would take a significant time away from the octagon to regroup. However, Whittaker has revealed he plans on returning sooner rather than later.

Speaking in a recent interview with Niko Pajarillo, Whittaker said:

"I’m working on some new skillset. I’ve got some new things that I’m working on at the beginning of this year you know. In the coming months, I want to focus on those and I’m probably looking for a June return [to the UFC] you know. I want to hit the ground running perfect… when I step back in the octagon again after a loss you see me level up.”

Check out Robert Whittaker's comments here (4:32):