UFC middleweight title challenger Sean Strickland has denied claims that he has a staph infection heading into his UFC 312 main event fight with Dricus du Plessis.

The outspoken American was sporting what appeared to be an unusual lesion on his upper left arm during the the pre-fight press conference in Sydney, Australia early on Thursday (or late Wednesday depending on where you are in the world) which, to some at least, appeared to be the tell-tale sign of a staph infection.

A staph infection, caused by staphylococcus bacteria, is a highly contagious skin problem which is often caused by athletes training on unclean mats. In rare cases can cause serious illness or even death. It is typically treated by antibiotics, which in turn can hinder a fighter’s preparation or physical fitness.

Towards the end of the press conference, Strickland denied that he has a staph infection.

“Listen you motherf*ckers, I’m immune to staph,” he stated. “You see this f*cking mustache? I give staph, I don’t f*cking get staph.Calm the f*ck down. I don’t get sick. I don’t get f*cking injured and I don’t get f*cking staph. So relax.”

And to dispel any lingering concerns that fans of Stickland might have, he added that he expects to turn in a career-best performance.

“I’m going to be out there on Sunday and I’m going to come out f*cking hard and strong,” he said. “The hardest and strongest you’ve ever f*cking seen. To the f*cking death, Dutchman!”