Sean Strickland rejected claims that he landed an illegal punch during a sparring session with Preacher Lawson.
Lawson had told the story in a stand-up routine that quickly went viral.
He joked that the former UFC champion hit him in the back of the head and sent him flying across the cage.
Strickland answered in the comments and said the strike landed legally behind the ear.
He argued that Lawson repeatedly lowered his head, leaving that area as the only open target.
His response followed the blunt and humorous tone for which he is known.
Lawson then shared video footage from the sparring session.
The clip showed Strickland landing a powerful shot that pushed the comedian backward.
From one angle the punch appeared to be close to the back of the head.
Lawson said he exaggerated the incident for comedic effect and confirmed that Strickland did not intentionally foul him.
He mocked his own story and joked about being afraid of the fighter.
Strickland treated the exchange as light-hearted and replied with a short apology and a laugh.
The middleweight is known for hard sparring sessions with visitors to his Las Vegas gym.
This episode became another viral moment tied to his intense training reputation.
