BREAKING: Dana White confirms that Sean Strickland will fight the winner of Du Plessis vs. Adesanya fight
(Via @jimrome) pic.twitter.com/htxyio6dL2
— Cageside Access (@CagesideAccess) August 13, 2024
Dana White has provided some clarity to the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title picture — at least for now.
Dricus Du Plessis will put his middleweight strap on the line against former champ Israel Adesanya in the main event at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, on Saturday. A few candidates appear to have a legitimate claim to the next title shot once that fight has concluded.
One potential contender would be the winner of a bout between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev scheduled for UFC 308 in October. However, No.1 ranked contender Sean Strickland remains adamant on fighting for the title next, even turning down a potential matchup against Whittaker if “Bobby Knuckles” defeats Chimaev. During an appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” White indicated that Strickland would be next in line to fight for the 185-pound belt.
“Listen, Sean Strickland is right now the No. 1 ranked middleweight in the world,” White said. “And the answer is yes, is yes.”
UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now!
While Adesanya and Du Plessis were originally expected to meet at UFC 293 in September 2023, “Stillknocks” was sidelined with a foot injury, opening the door for Strickland to receive a title shot. The Xtreme Couture representative went on to put on a masterclass in defensive striking to earn a unanimous decision win over Adesanya in one of the greatest upsets in the history of UFC title fights. Strickland then lost his strap to Du Plessis via split decision at UFC 297 this past — a ruling which he contests to this day.
During the post-fight press conference for Dana White’s Contender Series on Tuesday night, the UFC CEO reiterated his stance.
“He’s ranked No. 1 in the world. He deserves the fight… Strickland deserves it,” White said.
