Final Combating Championship’s (UFC) Middleweight division is beginning to see some overlap.
The following title tilt has but to be introduced however the world expects to lastly get the grudge match between the champion, Dricus du Plessis, and former champion, Israel Adesanya. In the meantime, high contenders, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, will collide at UFC Saudia Arabia subsequent weekend (Sat., June 22, 2024). The latter will presumably resolve the subsequent title challenger. So, the place does that go away the newest former champion, Sean Strickland?
Strickland, 33, just lately returned to the win column with a cut up determination nod over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 this month (June 1, 2024). After the win, Strickland famous how he solely desires to struggle for the title subsequent and is keen to attend for it. His supervisor, Lance Spaude, doesn’t anticipate that to carry due to “Tarzan’s” lively nature.
“If he desires to take a seat for a title, I believe he’s performed sufficient,” Spaude informed MMA Mania on Sound & Pound. “Should you have a look at from 2023, he’s fought 5 instances. He’s 4-1 and the one loss is to ‘DDP’ in an in depth cut up determination. No one’s performed extra within the final 18 months than Sean. So, the concept that he ought to should go struggle once more is slightly loopy to me.
“[Jared] Cannonier had fought as soon as, now he’s fought twice,” he continued. “[Khamzat] Chimaev, he’s fought as soon as. Adesanya, twice. ‘DDP’ twice, I believe. [Strickland] has been probably the most lively Middleweight moreover Brendan Allen.
“I believe ready is a good suggestion, I don’t understand how lengthy it’s gonna final for Sean,” Spaude concluded. “Give it two to 3 months, but when they name him for Australia [at UFC 305 in August], we’re able to go.”
The issue with Strickland finally retracting his affected person stance is that logical opponent choices are restricted. Finally, the previous champion must wait at the very least till the subsequent title struggle is sorted.
“I don’t know who he fights, that’s the robust half,” Spaude mentioned. “The one folks that actually make sense are ‘DDP,’ ‘Izzy,’ and Whittaker is rushing up his tempo, however traditionally, he’s fought yearly and Chimaev fights yearly. Clearly, in the event that they go along with the title, the loser doesn’t even make sense as a result of who is aware of in the event that they’ll even struggle this yr.
“He’s been fairly adamant that he’s gonna wait,” he continued. “I believe ideally, we struggle again in Vegas in December. I wish to see Sean combating for a title in Vegas in December. I believe that makes an entire lot of sense.”
