Sean Strickland on Robert Whittaker contender match: ‘He can get it after I win my belt back’

Don’t talk to Sean Strickland about any more fights unless there’s a belt involved.

Sean Strickland is currently playing a game of chicken with UFC matchmakers and refusing to fight again unless it’s for the middleweight title.

“Tarzan” took the title off Israel Adesanya in September 2023 and then lost the belt in a close split decision to Dricus Du Plessis. After being refused an immediate rematch with Du Plessis, he agreed to fight Paulo Costa. He beat “Borrachina” in a dull split decision, and will now wait for a title shot.

It’s a bold strategy, one which could work considering the lack of viable contenders at 185 pounds. The only other option right now is Robert Whittaker, and Strickland laid out the case against “Reaper” on social media.

“The thought that Whittaker gets a title shot before me is fucking wild,” Strickland wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Bro you’re 0-3...... With a stoppage lol. I beat both those c—s lol..... Do rankings matter?! Do the right thing UFC..”

if Adesanya beats Du Plessis at UFC 305, Strickland probably walks into a title shot. But if Du Plessis wins? The current 185 pound champ wants to see Strickland and Robert Whittaker face off for the No. 1 contender spot.

“Strickland, when we were at the presser, said Whitaker is nothing but a blitz and it’s an easy fight,” Du Plessis said during an interview with Submission Radio. “And now he doesn’t want to take that fight. Let me tell you one thing, Robert Whitaker is no easy fight for anybody. Strickland, also an incredible fighter. And it’s just a fight that makes so much sense.”

Strickland’s thoughts on that match-up were simple.

“He can get it,” he declared. “After I win my belt back.”