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Sean Strickland is on the run! The former champion was stripped away from his title in UFC 297 when Dricus Du Plessis defeated him via split decision. The fight was controversial as it divided the UFC community into two halves. Despite, Du Plessis’s victory, some sects of the UFC community thought Strickland was the one who won the fight. Two months have passed since then, and ‘Tarzan’ seems willing to run it back.

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Strickland shocked the world when he defeated the middleweight GOAT, Israel Adesanya, for the title last year. The fight prompted ‘Stylebender’ to consider taking a break, considering he was one of the most active champions in UFC’s recent history. Months have passed since then, and ‘Stylebender’ is looking to make a return. Dricus Du Plessis seems to have hinted at a potential matchup between him and Adesanya or Strickland.

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Sean Strickland doubled down on his rematch against Dricus Du Plessis

There was absolute bad blood between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis before the match, to such an extent that Du Plessis feared that Strickland would stab him for his comments on his childhood. On the day of their match, they delivered a war. However, despite Strickland’s effort to defend his title, it was Du Plessis who clinched the victory. Their match was the fight of the equals who deserved a rematch but Dana White is reluctant to make it happen and Strickland seems to be not having it.

The former champion criticized Dana White’s hypocrisy in granting Israel Adesanya an immediate rematch after his knockout loss to Alex Pereira in one of his statements and now Strickland has again claimed a spot at the ‘185’ lb gold. Strickland wrote You know, I don’t care about fight politics or a belt, but it makes me laugh they give Izzy a rematch to Alex after getting slept. I lost a close decision that Dana himself thought I won. Everyone did. The stats did. That needs to be run back.”

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Interstingly, Dricus Du Plessis took to his X to tease Strickland for his callout “Since this is a spectator sport, what do you guys think? @SStricklandMMA or @stylebender? Just for the record, it makes absolutely no difference to me; the result will be the same.” In response to the ‘Stillkocks’ tweet, Strickland said “Dana, the stats.. All said I won that fight. Let’s settle this…”

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Dana White will be having a hard time with the middleweight division considering that there are multiple contenders for the title now and it will be difficult for him to adjust to them. Additionally, UFC veteran, Michael Bisping thinks Strickland has to work harder for a rematch.

Michael Bisping throws reality at Strickland

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In his latest escapade, UFC veteran and insider, Michael Bisping has given his thoughts on an immediate rematch for Sean Strickland. ‘Count’ took to his YouTube handle to state that Strickland had to work harder for his rematch. “Dominant champions get beat, they get an immediate rematch,” said Bisping

Read More: Arman Tsarukyan Throws Shade at Team Khabib & Islam Makhachev, Claims UFC Champ is Ducking Using Dustin Poirier Fight

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He further added, “Which, to be honest, is kind of messed up, isn’t it? It’s just the way it goes, I’m not complaining, but think about it like this, so you’re a young up-and-coming fighter, like a Sean Strickland, you become the champion, you shock the world, you defy the odds, you become the champ, and then you gotta beat the b***ard again, it’s kind of sad, isn’t it? Unfortunately for Sean, he’s gonna have to do some more work, he’s gonna have to fight somebody else.”

Bisping argues that the admin might be giving Adesanya the match and throwing some other matches at Strickland but nothing has been made sure as of now. What is your opinion on Sean Strickland’s callout?

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Read More: Dana White Doesn’t Want to Risk Illia Topuria Against This Fighter, Claims Team Khabib

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Suryakant Das

3,440 Articles

Suryakant Das is a senior writer who leads UFC live coverage at EssentiallySports, known for his broad expertise and standout professionalism in MMA journalism. Over two years in the field, he has become a key voice on real-time event updates, pre- and post-fight interviews, and analysis of viral moments from the Joe Rogan Experience. His dynamic reporting is backed by selection to the Journalistic Excellence Program, which hones advanced editorial skills and strategic coverage approaches for top talent. Suryakant’s career is defined by his ability to deliver both speed and depth. His versatile background spans sports journalism, content writing, and editorial roles, helping him navigate fast-paced live coverage and deliver meaningful stories with clarity and precision. Recognition from respected MMA figures such as Nina-Marie Daniele and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping further marks him as a trusted authority in the UFC community.

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Joyita Das

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