Sean Strickland shocked the world final day out when he out-struck placing phenom Israel Adesanya to seize the middleweight title. Following his win, there was a large consensus that ‘The Final Stylebender’ would get an immediate rematch, however that will not be the case.
Whereas chatting with the media on the Contender Collection press convention final night time, Dana White shed some doubt on the 185lbs championship bout. In line with the UFC CEO, one other rising challenger within the weight class might drive his approach into competition.
“I imply, that combat [between Strickland and Adesanya] simply occurred.” Stated White. “A few fights are gonna play out right here now over the following month or so after which we’ll go from there and determine what’s subsequent. No matter the perfect combat to make when all is alleged and performed, and who’s injured, who’s not injured, who can go, what time, the place, you understand? There’s loads of various factors that play into what we will do subsequent.”
Dana White does not usually make matchups on the night time of the fights however with a month now handed for the reason that title conflict, he and his workforce have most definitely performed some discussing.
The middleweight division is stacked with various high-level contenders who’re all hoping to be known as for the following shot at UFC gold. Dricus du Plessis is the apparent standout, beating all six of his opponents contained in the octagon to this point and ending 5 of them.
Related: Dricus Du Plessis doesn’t understand Dana White criticism
‘Stillknocks’ was initially meant to fulfill Adesanya within the cage this yr however was replaced with Strickland when he refused the combat date because of damage. The South African could now leap forward of the remainder of the opponents to get his shot on the champion.
There are additionally some enormous matchups set to happen later this yr that will form the way forward for the division. Firstly, the #4-ranked Jared Cannonier will welcome Roman Dolidze into the cage in a battle between two powerhouses.
One other combat at middleweight will see Khamzat Chimaev make his return to the load class when he collides with Paulo Costa later this month. ‘Borz’ has already called out champion Strickland and hopes a win at UFC 294 on October 21 secures him a title shot.
