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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 05: UFC interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya of New Zealand poses for the media during the UFC seasonal press conference at T-Mobile Arena on July 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 05: UFC interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya of New Zealand poses for the media during the UFC seasonal press conference at T-Mobile Arena on July 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Rumors of talks about Sean Strickland fighting Israel Adesanya for the championship belt are spreading through the internet like wildfire. Strickland himself also believed that he was the one who deserved to fight against Adesanya. Even though he agreed to get some wins following his loss at the hands of Jared Cannonier, he claimed that a fight with Adesanya was a necessity.
‘Tarzan’ was recently interviewed by Dave Schmulenson, popularly known as ‘The Schmo’. Therein, the fighter took a jab at the middleweight champion. After confirming his desire to fight ‘The Last Stylebender’ for the title, Strickland showed his pride in being an American. The fighter let the public know he wanted to return the UFC middleweight belt to his motherland.
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Sean Strickland takes a jab at Israel Adesanya
Ahead of his fight with Abus Magomedov at UFC Vegas 76, Strickland appeared in an interview with ‘The Schmo’. Undeniably, a discussion about the possibilities of future fights was necessary. Schmulenson questioned the fighter about the rumors regarding him getting a title shot in the middleweight division if he defeated Magomedov.
Strickland didn’t deny it at all. He roped in Adesanya’s kickboxing days when he trained and fought in China. Although ‘Tarzan’ revealed his love for the Chinese, he couldn’t bear that the belt wasn’t on American soil.
Strickland said, “Here’s the thing, guys. I deserve the belt. You guys want the belt. You guys… As much as I love, as much as I love China, as Helen [Yee] knows I’m fan of the Chinese. As much as I love the fact that we have a Chinese middleweight champion, I like that, I deserve to bring the belt back to America. That’s all I’m trying to say.”
How has Izzy’s days in China impacted him as a fighter?
Before he became known all around the world, ‘The Last Stylebender’ prepared himself in China. Although the champion claimed that the promotions in China were a bit sketchy, he couldn’t help but relish the time he spent there.
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 13: (L-R) UFC President Dana White places the interim middleweight championship belt on Israel Adesanya after defeating Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision in their interim middleweight championship bout during the UFC 236 event at State Farm Arena on April 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Adesanya credited the experience he had in China for his victories. He said, “Because when I came back that’s when I smoked King in the Ring for the first time, second, third time, and started f***ing everybody up.” The constant fights and uncomfortable situations built the fighter into the force he is today.
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Do you think Strickland can defeat Israel Adesanya and win the Middleweight gold? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.
Watch This Story: Who is former UFC champion Israel Adesanya’s rumored girlfriend Shana Evers?
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