Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland continues to campaign for another title shot but he has explained the reason as to why he believes he may not be given it.
After losing the 185lb title to Dricus Du Plessis back at UFC 297 in January, Sean Strickland returned to the win column this past June at UFC 302, with a passive win over Paulo Costa.
With that, ‘Tarzan’ is expecting to be given another middleweight title shot, and is willing to sit out until he is afforded one. Despite that, fellow former champion, Robert Whittaker, is also on the precipice of a title shot and is willing to fight in a number one contender fight.
Sean Strickland explains why he may not be given a title shot
Although ‘The Reaper’ is looking to compete at UFC 305 on August 17, on the undercard of the middleweight title fight between Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, Strickland isn’t interested in that possible fight as he continues to stick to his guns in demanding the next title shot.
The 33-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most outspoken fighters in the promotion’s history, and that’s seemingly something they have to deal with behind the scenes.
In the recently released documentary, Fight Inc: Inside the UFC, the PR team was seen holding meetings about Strickland’s media day interviews, as he continuously talks about controversial topics.
And now, Strickland believes it is that reason as to why he is not being given another title shot.
“If they give Robert (Whittaker) the title shot, it’s for one reason, it’s for one reason. They don’t want me holding this (microphone) on the main stage,” Strickland admitted to Shak MMA.
“I’m next in line, dude, there’s no argument in it, it is a f****** fact if they give Whittaker the title shot then welcome to f****** Bud Light,” the former champion continued.
With Whittaker willing to fight again before he is given another shot at undisputed gold, the timing may work out in ‘Tarzan’s’ favor, however, the UFC may not take kindly to Strickland playing his face.
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Khamzat Chimaev hopeful of playing spoiler in middleweight title picture
Although at the moment, the next title shot is seemingly down to either Strickland or Whittaker, Khamzat Chimaev is hopeful that he can jump into the title picture and secure himself a title shot at the end of the year.
Despite the fact that ‘Borz’ recently withdrew from his scheduled main event against Whittaker, the Chechen is seemingly back in training and has revealed he would like to return at UFC 308 and jump straight into a middleweight title fight.
That, though, is extremely unlikely as the 30-year-old will need to work his way back into the promotions good books.
After admitting that his business with Whittaker is unfinished, Chimaev may be hoping that the 33-year-old Kiwi will change his plans and agree to fight him in October, instead of August.