Former champion Sean Strickland insists 'I am next in line'

Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been calling for a rematch against titleholder Dricus du Plessis since the South African narrowly defeated him to win the title at UFC 297 in January.  

Strickland rebounded from the loss to du Plessis with a split decision win over Paulo Costa in June.  Following the fight, he again called for a rematch against the champion.  

Du Plessis fought and defeated former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya in his first title defense at UFC 305 in August.  All indications were that Strickland and du Plessis were next on the docket.  On Saturday, undefeated Khamzat Chimaev made quick work for former titleholder Robert Whittaker and hoped his performance would gain him a title fight instead of Strickland.  

“Dana [White], what’s wrong the the UFC?  Give me the belt,” Chimaev said after his first-round submission win over Whittaker in the UFC 308 co-main event.  

Following the event, Strickland made it clear that he’s next in line to face du Plessis for the title.  He also took a couple of jabs at “Borz.”  

“Understand one thing…. I am next in line….. Its been said, its been written… January/February me and @dricusduplessis are scrapping,” Strickland wrote on X.

Understand one thing…. I am next in line….. Its been said, its been written… January/February me and @dricusduplessis are scrapping

Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months….. wait.. sorry UAE… you're not allowed in Chechnya…But hey crypto scams while you wait

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 26, 2024

“Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months….. wait.. sorry UAE… you’re not allowed in Chechnya…But hey crypto scams while you wait,” Strickland said.