Sean Strickland is determined to claim the UFC middleweight title from Israel Adesanya. Following his victory over Abus Magomedov at UFC Vegas 76, Strickland wasted no time shifting his focus to the championship picture. With Adesanya currently lacking an opponent and UFC 293 scheduled for Australia in August, which is near Adesanya’s home country of New Zealand, it is expected that a middleweight title fight will headline the event.
Strickland, who has recently defeated Magomedov and Nassourdine Imavov in his last two fights, believes he has earned the opportunity to face Adesanya. Adesanya has dominated the division and needs fresh competition at 185 pounds. Strickland expressed his desire for the title shot during the post-fight press conference, stating, “It needs to happen. We all know Izzy’s dominance. Every time they try to bring new blood in, I send them back. I’ve paid my dues. Give me the title shot, I’ve earned it.”
However, there is one obstacle standing in Strickland’s way—the upcoming fight between former champion Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 on July 8. UFC president Dana White has promised the winner a title shot, but Adesanya has already defeated Whittaker in the past. Strickland doubts that Du Plessis will overcome Whittaker, and he believes it’s time for fresh contenders to challenge Adesanya.
Strickland is aware of Adesanya’s desire for new competition, as shown by his rivalry with ex-champion Alex Pereira. However, Pereira has chosen to move up to light heavyweight, leaving limited options for Adesanya. Strickland feels it’s his turn to step up and hear his name called for the title shot, claiming, “I want it. The fans want it. You f****** want it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about title shot
Q: Who is Sean Strickland and what is he calling for?
A: Sean Strickland is an MMA fighter in the middleweight division. He is calling for a title shot against Israel Adesanya, stating that he has earned it after his recent victories.
Q: What has Sean Strickland achieved in his recent fights?
A: Sean Strickland has defeated Abus Magomedov and Nassourdine Imavov in his past two fights. These victories have bolstered his claim for a title shot in the UFC middleweight division.
Q: Why does Sean Strickland believe he deserves a shot at Israel Adesanya?
A: Sean Strickland believes he deserves a shot at Israel Adesanya because he has been a dominant force in the middleweight division, leaving few challengers left. Strickland has proven himself by defeating previous opponents and feels he has paid his dues for a title shot.
Q: What is the biggest obstacle standing in Sean Strickland’s way?
A: The biggest obstacle for Sean Strickland is the upcoming fight between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis. If Whittaker wins, he will likely be next in line for a title shot against Israel Adesanya, as he has already been defeated by Adesanya in previous encounters.
Q: What does Sean Strickland think of Dricus Du Plessis’ chances against Robert Whittaker?
A: Sean Strickland believes that Robert Whittaker will easily defeat Dricus Du Plessis. Strickland sees Whittaker as a formidable opponent and doubts that Du Plessis will be able to earn a title shot by defeating him.
Q: Why does Sean Strickland think it’s time for fresh competition for Israel Adesanya?
A: Sean Strickland believes that Israel Adesanya needs fresh competition because he has already fought and defeated most of the top contenders in the middleweight division. Strickland believes he can offer something different and push Adesanya into deep waters in a title fight.
Q: What are the fans and Sean Strickland expecting?
A: The fans and Sean Strickland are expecting a title shot for Strickland against Israel Adesanya. They believe it is a highly anticipated matchup and are eager to see it happen.
More about title shot
- Sean Strickland’s UFC profile
- Israel Adesanya’s UFC profile
- UFC Middleweight Division Rankings
- UFC Vegas 76 Event Details
- Robert Whittaker’s UFC profile
- Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC profile
