UFC 305: Sean Strickland Given the Ultimate Reality Check by Fans After Israel Adesanya Gets the Push for Title Shot Against Dricus Du Plessis

Sean Strickland’s demands for a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis haven’t sat well with the MMA fandom. At UFC 297, Strickland lost the middleweight title to the South African after a hard-fought 5 rounds. While Du Plessis won the fight via a split decision, there was a lot of debate surrounding the outcome. In fact, UFC CEO Dana White had indicated in the post-fight press conference, “I had it two to two going into the last round and I thought Strickland won the last round.”

Since the defeat, Sean Strickland has been vocal on social media about wanting to take another crack at the belt. On X, he wrote, “The UFC fans want me and Dricus to settle it. Dricus wants to settle it. We all know I fought in a dirty liberal country who f**ked me. Dana knows it. The UFC knows it. IF IT WAS ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROSTER THE REMATCH WOULD HAPPEN! Do the right thing UFC.”

In another tweet, he wrote, “You know man, I’m not climbing that f**king ladder again… If that isn’t for me idk boxing…”

His comments are interesting in light of a recent update concerning the UFC 305 event. According to a report by NZ Herald, the promotion will be making its way to Perth, Australia in August for the UFC event. Now it could feature a clash between Israel Adesanya and the current 185 lbs champion, Du Plessis.

Read More: Khamzat Chimaev ‘Always Gasses’; UFC Veteran Hands a Harsh Reality Check Over Robert Whittaker Face-Off

In an interview with the Herald, Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, stated, “Israel will be fighting for the title next, the date, I’m not sure.” And so, the remarks by Strickland demanding a rematch have caused a massive backlash from the fans, who weren’t pleased with his lobbying. Their sentiments largely indicated a prevailing skepticism about Strickland’s comments.

Fans blast Sean Strickland amidst calls for a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis!

Social media users claimed that Strickland turned down fights and was only interested in a title fight. Previously, he lost against some big names like Alex Pereira (UFC 276) and Jared Cannonier (UFC Fight Night 216 – Cannonier vs. Strickland). “He probably turned down a fight with Whittaker and that’s why we got Chimaev instead. He definitely don’t wanna fight Cannonier again.”

Others pointed out that before the shock upset against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 last year, Strickland wasn’t considered a ‘main event’ caliber fighter, and that there is a general lack of interest surrounding the proposed rematch between him and Du Plessis. And this might be true considering ‘Izzy’ and ‘Stillknocks’ have a bitter history. Their argument about being a ‘real African’ had attracted a lot of attention a while ago.

“No one wants to see the rematch bro no one cares about Sean Strickland yo was a nobody 1 year ago no one watching your fights on fight night not even main eventing sh*t Izzy made you”

Many were even shocked at the outburst by Strickland and pointed out that the change in his antics may be due to the influence of having won the belt. Well, would it really be shocking? After all, he had the belt for a very short time. He lost it during his first title defense. “Guess he’s just gonna cry about it until he gets it, that’s not the Sean Strickland I remember… guess the belt really did change him.”

Fans were also critical of Strickland’s behavior on social media that has seen the UFC fighter make some worrying posts online.

Comments like “Sean’s been losing it recently. Dude needs a grip” and “He didn’t even really climb the ladder though” were abundant. Further, some fans exclaimed their disappointment with the middleweight fighter. “Bro’s trying too hard to stay relevant”

These comments reflect a broader narrative of disappointment and disenchantment with Strickland’s trajectory in the UFC. While he may have shown promise in the past, fans are increasingly questioning his ability to maintain his position among the elite fighters in the promotion. Do you think Sean Strickland should get a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read More: UFC Veteran Underlines What Fighters Need to ‘Change’ Dana White’s Monopoly in MMA