Two former UFC middleweight champions could be on a collison course to meet inside the Octagon very soon.
Robert Whittaker (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) and Sean Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) have both held the 185 lb title at different stages over the past few years, and both are coming off recent defeats. Whittaker was submitted by Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October, while Strickland fell short in his bid to reclaim his belt when he lost to the man that dethroned him a year ago, Dricus Du Plessis when the pair met earlier this month. Given the current state of the division, Whittaker believes it's time for a bout with Strickland.
“I think Strickland makes a good argument for the matchup because we’ve both been circling around the top of the division for a while,” Whittaker shared during an appearance the On Paper podcast with Anthony Smith earlier this week. “For whatever reason, we haven’t faced each other yet, but it’s probably the fight to make at this point.”
Whittaker Excited By Potential Matchup
Whittaker expressed enthusiasm about the potential matchup, describing Strickland’s style as intriguing. “I find his style interesting. It excites me to try to figure out. He’s a tough guy... But I’m really proud of my skill set and confident in it. I know I’ve had off days, but you push through them. I’m still working on putting things together sometimes.”
Given the fact that Strickland suffered a broken nose during his recet loss to Du Plessis, it's unclear exactly when he might be ready to return to the Octagon, whereas Whittaker is aiming to return to action just in time for summer.
“I’ve been working on some new skills, continuing to improve, and I’m planning to come back in June,” Whittaker said. “That gives me enough time to keep progressing while also easing into a camp and coming in at my best.”
