The middleweight division is buzzing with top contenders actively vying for the ‘185-pound’ title. Dricus du Plessis is ready to defend his championship against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, a fight that will define the future of the division. This fight has received high expectations and is expected to be an important moment for the fighters and the middleweight division. In the midst of this, Sean Strickland has been destined for the fight’s backup, but he’s determined not to be second-guessing. Strickland insists he deserves a straight shot at the title, not a stand-up role.
Strickland’s Call Again
Sean Strickland has been very vocal about his desire to reunite with du Plessis. He thinks he deserves to fight for a title more than anyone else. As much as he liked it, the promotion still hasn’t allowed him to play again. Strickland stands firm and insists it’s his for the title.
Refusing to Backup
In an interview with Shakeel Mahjouri, Strickland expressed his happiness that he was considered a supporting candidate for Adesanya’s fight against du Plessis. He insisted, “Yeah, I mean, dude, you know when it comes to this backfill stuff they always do, ‘I’m next in line.’ They can get whatever backfill I do next in line; I’ve got a gun. I let them fight, who can say the N-word, for them and then I can deal with it.”
Strickland Fix After a Good Loss
Following his close decision loss to du Plessis at UFC 297, Strickland vowed to avenge his defeat. He called for an immediate rematch, but instead, the UFC matched him with Paulo Costa at UFC 302. Strickland won by split decision, cementing his bid for another shot at the title.
Despite the victory, Strickland’s call for a comeback didn’t see the timing of Adesanya vs. the 2013 FIFA World Cup. du Plessis card got the promotion. Strickland is still frustrated that he feels neglected yet again.
The Impressive Whittaker Streak
Meanwhile, Robert Whittaker has two fight wins, putting him closer to a title shot. Despite not being in title contention since 2022, Whittaker’s recent performances have caught the UFC’s attention. Rumor has it that he and Strickland are fighting for the next title shot.
Strickland’s Reaction to Whittaker’s Potential Title Shot
Strickland isn’t thrilled about Whittaker’s potential moving forward. He said, “If they’re giving Robert a title shot, bro, it’s one of the reasons they don’t want me to wear it on the main stage. I’m next in line. It makes no sense, it’s a fact. If Whittaker is given a title shot, it’s, well, welcome to ‘Bud Light.’”
Middleweight Division
With so many competitors, the middleweight division is expected to be active and competitive in the near future. The excitement is palpable as each fighter brings their unique skills and determination to the Octagon, making each matchup exciting for fans. Strickland’s determination and outspoken attitude earn him admiration as he continues to fight for a rightful place in the title race. His constant calls for rematch and unwavering belief in claiming the title ensure he remains a key figure in the division, attracting the attention and expectations of the MMA community.
