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Final Preventing Championship’s (UFC) Middleweight division is beginning to see some overlap.
The following title tilt has but to be introduced however the world expects to lastly get the grudge match between the champion, Dricus du Plessis, and former champion, Israel Adesanya. In the meantime, prime contenders, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, will collide at UFC Saudia Arabia subsequent weekend (Sat., June 22, 2024). The latter will presumably determine the subsequent title challenger. So, the place does that depart the newest former champion, Sean Strickland?
Strickland, 33, just lately returned to the win column with a cut up resolution nod over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 this month (June 1, 2024). After the win, Strickland famous how he solely needs to battle for the title subsequent and is keen to attend for it. His supervisor, Lance Spaude, doesn’t count on that to carry because of “Tarzan’s” energetic nature.
“If he needs to sit down for a title, I believe he’s carried out sufficient,” Spaude instructed MMA Mania on Sound & Pound. “When you take a look at from 2023, he’s fought 5 instances. He’s 4-1 and the one loss is to ‘DDP’ in a detailed cut up resolution. No person’s carried out extra within the final 18 months than Sean. So, the concept he ought to need to go battle once more is just a little loopy to me.
“[Jared] Cannonier had fought as soon as, now he’s fought twice,” he continued. “[Khamzat] Chimaev, he’s fought as soon as. Adesanya, twice. ‘DDP’ twice, I believe. [Strickland] has been essentially the most energetic Middleweight moreover Brendan Allen.
“I believe ready is a good suggestion, I don’t understand how lengthy it’s gonna final for Sean,” Spaude concluded. “Give it two to a few months, but when they name him for Australia [at UFC 305 in August], we’re able to go.”
The issue with Strickland ultimately retracting his affected person stance is that logical opponent choices are restricted. Finally, the previous champion must wait at the very least till the subsequent title battle is sorted.
“I don’t know who he fights, that’s the robust half,” Spaude stated. “The one individuals that basically make sense are ‘DDP,’ ‘Izzy,’ and Whittaker is rushing up his tempo, however traditionally, he’s fought annually and Chimaev fights annually. Clearly, in the event that they go along with the title, the loser doesn’t even make sense as a result of who is aware of in the event that they’ll even battle this yr.
“He’s been fairly adamant that he’s gonna wait,” he continued. “I believe ideally, we battle again in Vegas in December. I wish to see Sean preventing for a title in Vegas in December. I believe that makes a complete lot of sense.”
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