Is Sean Strickland Married? What We Know About The UFC Star's Lesser-Known Life Beyond The Octagon

The UFC Fight Night 267 has officially lit up the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and all eyes were on the middleweight main event between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez. As the former middleweight champion returned to the octagon after a year, facing the eight-time back-to-back champion, the stakes couldn't be higher. The game is now over, and Strickland has reclaimed his victory, breaking Hernandez's eight-fight winning streak.

With his glorious victory, the attention has also shifted to Strickland's lesser-known personal life, one that involves his family, his dog, and the woman who has stood by his side over the years. Here's everything we know about Mr. and Mrs. Strickland. 

Is Sean Strickland married?

Yes, Sean Strickland is officially a married man, and his wedding was definitely one for the books. The former UFC middleweight champion announced his marriage on October 8, 2025, and he celebrated it in true Stricland fashion. In short clips shared on social media, the newlywed couple was seen celebrating their nuptials with rifles. Yes! Strickland's wedding party celebrated the couple's union with a firing of rifles. 

Even his bride, KJ, still in her white wedding gown, was firing an automatic weapon, and both she and Strickland flashed ecstatic smiles on their faces. Well, for a fighter famously nicknamed "Tarzan", it may have been exactly the kind of unconventional celebrations that fans expected. While the internet had obviously a lot to say about the unusual celebration, it was one of the most authentic weddings they had seen in the industry. Sharing a photo of his wedding on Instagram, Strickland simply wrote:

“Well, time to grow up, I guess.”

Who is Sean Strickland's wife?

Unlike Strickland's internationally acclaimed persona, his wife has deliberately chosen to steer clear of the media's spotlight. Except for occasional glimpses on the former middleweight's social media posts and videos, Mrs. Strickland has remained an enigma. From what is publicly known about the missus, she introduces herself with only her initials, 'KJ', though some unverified claims suggest her name may be Kimberly.

Strickland and KJ have reportedly been together since 2022, but it wasn't until the latter half of 2023 that the latter made a public appearance. Fans caught the first glimpse of KJ in September 2023, when she attended the lead-up to Strickland’s upset victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Since then, she has occasionally appeared in UFC Embedded episodes. In the brief social media posts that Strickland shares about her, the genuine love is quite apparent. However, details about her career and background remain undisclosed.

Do Sean Strickland and KJ have any kids?

Based on what’s publicly known about his private life, Strickland’s family currently includes his wife and their beloved dog. He has previously said he’s never been particularly enthusiastic about becoming a father. However, with KJ’s steady and grounding influence in his life, it’s possible his perspective on parenthood could evolve. On the rare occasions when he is seen spending time with young fighters, fans love to see the childlike smile that forms on his otherwise serious face, and the kids also seem to genuinely enjoy getting trained by him.

Strickland had previously voiced his strong reservations about bringing a new life to the world, especially because he didn't have any role models growing up, and he often fears if he would be a good dad. In an interview with Nina Marie Daniele, the UFC star shared:

“I never had any positive role models in my life, like any masculinity. So, to be a dad, I look at a family as something scary and ‘Oh f–k responsibility’ because growing up sucks. One of the biggest fears I have is being a dad and then being faced with the responsibility of raising a good man or woman.”

Strickland's ultimate comeback against Hernandez

As Sean Strickland returns to the octagon after a year's hiatus, all eyes are on him. Before today's game, he had a 29-7 record, sitting at No. 3 in the middleweight rankings. He had to serve a brief suspension after losing his title to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 on February 9, 2025. With his return against the back-to-back champion, Strickland walked out with a new 30-7 record. The octagon's Tarzan successfully reclaimed his title, defeating Anthony Hernandez via TKO (punches) at 2:33 of Round 3 in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez. 

As fans rally behind Sean Strickland, his biggest support cheered for him outside the cage. Congratulations on the victory!

Also Read: Meet Anthony Hernandez's Wife, Kristie Hernandez, Inside Their Love Story, Marriage And Family Life

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