Sean Strickland is poised for another shot at the UFC middleweight title, according to UFC President Dana White. Strickland, who lost the title to Dricus du Plessis earlier this year, will be next in line for a title opportunity. White confirmed that the winner of the UFC 305 main event between du Plessis and former champ Israel Adesanya will face Strickland in their subsequent fight, assuming everything unfolds as planned.
White underscored Strickland’s top ranking and his right to challenge for the title. He acknowledged that while the outcomes of fights can be unpredictable, Strickland has rightfully earned his spot as the number one contender. The UFC is planning some exciting matchups in the middleweight division, and Strickland’s opportunity is part of that momentum.
In addition to Strickland’s situation, White also mentioned an intriguing fight scheduled for October in Abu Dhabi, featuring Robert Whittaker against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Originally, this bout was expected to determine a number one contender for the winner of du Plessis vs. Adesanya, adding an extra layer of excitement to the middleweight landscape.
Strickland’s recent form includes a split decision victory over Paulo Costa in June, which followed his split decision defeat to du Plessis earlier in the year. This recent win has solidified Strickland’s claim as a leading contender for the middleweight championship.