At present, Sean Strickland is engaging in a game of chicken with UFC matchmakers, adamantly declining any fights unless it is for the prestigious middleweight title.
“Tarzan” took the title off Israel Adesanya in September 2023 and then lost the belt in a close split decision to Dricus Du Plessis. After being refused an immediate rematch with Du Plessis, he agreed to fight Paulo Costa. He beat “Borrachina” in a dull split decision, and will now wait for a title shot.
Considering the limited number of strong contenders in the 185-pound division, it is indeed a daring strategy that has the potential to succeed. Currently, the only alternative is Robert Whittaker, but Strickland has presented compelling arguments against “Reaper” through social media.
The thought that whittaker gets a title shot before me is fucking wild..
Bro you’re 0-3…… With a stoppage lol
I beat both those cunts lol…..
Do rankings matter?! Do the right thing UFC..
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) July 9, 2024
Strickland expressed his disbelief on X (formerly Twitter) about Whittaker potentially receiving a title shot before him. “It’s absolutely crazy,” he wrote. “You’re winless in three fights, and I defeated both those guys easily. Are rankings even considered? UFC, please make the fair decision.”
if Adesanya beats Du Plessis at UFC 305, Strickland probably walks into a title shot. But if Du Plessis wins? The current 185 pound champ wants to see Strickland and Robert Whittaker face off for the No. 1 contender spot.
“Strickland, when we were at the presser, said Whitaker is nothing but a blitz and it’s an easy fight,” Du Plessis said during an interview with Submission Radio. “And now he doesn’t want to take that fight. Let me tell you one thing, Robert Whitaker is no easy fight for anybody. Strickland, also an incredible fighter. And it’s just a fight that makes so much sense.”
Strickland had straightforward thoughts regarding that match-up.
“After I reclaim my championship belt, he’ll definitely have a shot at it,” he confidently stated.
