‘F*cking Sit Down And Wait!’ Strickland Rejects Whittaker

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Sean Strickland is holding out for another title shot and that’s that.

The Middleweight division will finally settle its biggest grudge match at UFC 305 next month (Sat., Aug. 17, 2024). In UFC 305’s main event the champion, Dricus du Plessis, defends his title for the first time against former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya. No matter the outcome, Strickland is confident he’ll be the one to slot in next against the titleholder.

Strickland, 33, won his title against Adesanya (watch highlights) before dropping it to du Plessis at UFC 297 earlier this year (Jan. 20, 2024). He recently rebounded from his split decision loss (watch highlights) by earning a five-round split decision nod over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 last month (June 1, 2024). Meanwhile, another former champion, Robert Whittaker, also earned a win over Costa before knocking out Ikram Aliskerov (watch highlights) at UFC Saudi Arabia last month (June 22, 2024). Despite the two convincing wins, Strickland has no interest in risking his spot against “The Reaper.”

“Whittaker’s not next in line,” Strickland told James Lynch. “He fought a f*cking guy on a two-day notice. An unranked Dagi. He’s not next in line. I’m next in line. Whoever f*cking wins [the title fight], they’re f*cking fighting me. I beat Dricus, the world knows I’m next in line. The world knows it should be me f*cking fighting, but I’ll wait. I’m next in line. We’re bringing the belt back to Vegas.”

Unscathed after his Costa win, Strickland is chilling and taking his time. Unless it’s in sparring matches with Japanese kickboxers.

Taking a back up spot for du Plessis vs. Adesanya doesn’t interest Strickland either. His flag is firmly planted on the side of waiting for a title shot and even a potential Whittaker win doesn’t feel “helpful” to “Tarzan.”

“There’s no help, man,” Strickland said of a Whittaker win boosting his chances of getting a title shot. “I’m the No. 1 contender. On paper, in life, in the media, by the fans, I am the No. 1 contender. I’m getting the next shot.

“Short notice, that should make you win even more,” he continued about Whittaker. “There is no competition or shame. I’m not putting Whittaker down, he’s a great fighter. Once I f*cking get the belt, hey, maybe we’ll f*cking fight but you’re not next in line. I am. So, f*cking sit down and wait.”