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The UFC middleweight division is abuzz with anticipation as champion Dricus Du Plessis prepares to defend his title against Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305. While the outcome of this bout is eagerly awaited, another burning question looms: Who will get the next shot at the middleweight title?
In a recent interview, UFC CEO Dana White put an end to the speculation, confirming that Sean Strickland will be the next contender.
“Sean Strickland right now is the number one ranked middleweight in the world and the answer is yes,”
White stated emphatically. This announcement may come as a surprise to some, considering the fierce competition in the division, but White believes Strickland has earned his spot.
Strickland, who holds a professional record of 29-6, is coming off a significant win over Paulo Costa by decision in June. This victory followed a controversial loss to Du Plessis, which saw Strickland lose his middleweight title in a closely contested bout. Despite this, White’s commitment to Strickland as the next challenger highlights the UFC’s confidence in his abilities.
However, not everyone agrees with White's decision. Dricus Du Plessis recently voiced his opinion, suggesting that the winner of the upcoming bout between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev should be next in line for a title shot.
“Strickland shouldn’t have been there in the first place, he got it by default and then proved that he deserved to be there. So that’s amazing,”
Du Plessis said in an interview with *Shak MMA*. He further added,
“If Whittaker beats Khamzat, he’s 100 percent getting the title shot.”
As the UFC 305 main event draws closer, the debate over the next title challenger continues to intensify. Will Strickland's title shot be set in stone, or will the winner of Whittaker vs. Chimaev have a say in the matter? Only time will tell.
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