The UFC is not slowing down with their fight announcements. Despite UFC 300 rapidly approaching, Dana White and co. are relentless with their work ethic and have already mapped out the next few cards. However, the recent announcements, do not bode well for Sean Strickland.
For those unaware, ‘Tarzan’ lost his middleweight title in controversial fashion at UFC 297 earlier this year. Taking on Dricus du Plessis, Strickland seemingly gave it his all, with many, including Dana White believing that he won the fight. However, it was not to be as Sean lost out a razor-thin split decision to the South African contender. With that said Strickland vowed to settle the score in the future.
🚨 Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya is being discussed to headline #UFC305 in Perth, Australia on August 17th
(per. @nickwalshaw) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/YlVHwaEbAp
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 28, 2024
Since then, we have seen Dricus du Plessis touted to take on Israel Adesanya, with whom he has had a long drawn-out rivalry. Whilst the fight was initially slated for UFC 300, injuries to ‘Stillknocks’ meant that the fight had to be pushed back. According to recent reports, the fight is now seemingly being targeted for UFC 305, in Perth, Australia.
Sean Strickland finds himself left without a fight
Naturally, the news will be a somewhat difficult one to take considering that Sean Strickland went toe to toe with Dricus in their fight. Not only that, but Strickland also claimed the belt from Israel Adesanya in one of the most dominant underdog performances in a championship fight that we have ever seen. Thus, seeing Izzy get the title shot instead of him will be a kick in the teeth.
However, things have since gotten even worse after Dana White’s recent announcement. Recently, the UFC head honcho revealed that they were set to make their first-ever trip to Saudi Arabia for a fight night event. Notably, the main event will see Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev duke it out for a #1 contender spot. With wins over Paulo Costa and Kamaru Usman respectively for the fighters, it will make for an exciting contest.
BOOOOOOM!!!!!!
UFC is heading to Saudi Arabia for the first time with a BAD ASS card, headlined by Whittaker vs Chimaev LIVE and FREE on ABC on June 22nd pic.twitter.com/2OZW2AEmLH
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 28, 2024
At the same time, this leaves Sean Strickland without a title rematch or a chance to become the number-one contender. A disappointing situation to say the least, there is a shortage of top contenders for Strickland right now. Previously, many suggested that Sean should target the winner of Whittaker-Costa, however, it appears as though he will need to settle for the loser instead.
Sean Strickland did not get his deserved rematch against Dricus du Plessis
Understandably, it will be quite some time before Sean Strickland is once again in the title picture. Considering that the only other valid matchup for him in the division is either a fight against Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, or a rematch against Jared Cannonier, it is looking like a long road back to glory for Strickland.
Recently, there were rumors of Paulo Costa being booked against Roman Dolidze for UFC 301. However, that rumor has since been debunked with the Georgian getting booked to fight Anthony Hernandez instead. According to the ranking, Strickland is still at the #1 spot at middleweight. Thus, it becomes a little difficult to imagine him getting a fight against Paulo Costa who lost to the #3 ranked Whittaker in his last fight.
Dana, the stats.. All said I won that fight. Let’s settle this… https://t.co/UqNt8NiXHt
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 15, 2024
You know I don’t care about fight politics or a belt but it makes me laugh they give izzy a rematch to alex after getting slept..
I lost a close decision that dana himself thought I won. Everyone did.. The stats did.
That needs to be run back..
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 13, 2024
A puzzling and frustrating situation to be in, to say the least, Strickland has long been calling for his rematch against Du Plessis. Whilst the fans and the community are all for it, the UFC seemingly wants nothing to do with it. Either way, things are hotting up in the middleweight division and fans are all for it. Although it is a tricky situation for Sean Strickland, the former champ will surely find his way soon enough