Coach: Sean Strickland 'fights for the little kid inside him that he couldn't protect'

Sean Strickland's head coach Eric Nicksick knows what his fighter says on social media about mental health and wants to let the rising star know he's always there for him.

On Instagram, the former UFC middleweight champion spoke openly and honestly about “fighting the demons” within him and the struggles he goes through. Nicksick doesn't always agree with his fighter's statements, but when it comes to the mental side of the game – and making sure his athletes are where they need to be in that regard – the Xtreme Couture head coach admits that he knows his fighter well.

However, perhaps Nicksick felt he could do more, pointing to Strickland's UFC 297 loss to Dricus du Plessis and the advice he gave Strickland before the final round.

“I know why he fights, I know who he fights for – he fights for the little child inside him that he couldn't protect,” Nicksick continued The MMA lesson. “He’s fighting anyone and everyone in the world for the little guy who’s in it [his heart]and I told him that before the fifth round [at UFC 297]. I wish I had said this in Round 4, but you learned who and what they are fighting for.

“Those are things I think I need to get better at, especially with him.”

Strickland's recent post has opened many eyes. Still, he said there is a purpose behind it, telling his fans he understands that many are going through similar struggles and he wants to remind them that they are “not alone” in this fight.

Strickland, 33, joined Theo Von The last weekend podcast in January and recounted some of his horrific childhood traumas in an emotional interview.

When it comes to everything Strickland and other fighters have been through in their lives, including their fighting careers, Nicksick has a message of support.

“These men and women go through so much, especially in this sport, then you combine that with the brain damage you get year after year and the CTE, then you add the fact of this man's history and past.” said Nicksick. “Dude, don’t be afraid to talk about some of these things. It doesn't have to be Theo Von's fault. We can go have a coffee, sit down and just chat, me and you, and it stays in the trust tree.

“It also helps me understand more about my fighter.”