Sean Strickland drops huge bombshell, says 'UFC doesn't want' him vs Israel Adesanya

The Middleweight title race is a shambles. Dricus du Plessis recently stunned both the audience and his opponent by battering Robert Whittaker, handing the former champion his first non-title loss at 185 pounds. That victory secured a title shot for the South African contender, but the timing is off. He defeated Whittaker earlier in the month, which led to an intense face off against champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 290, that further gave UFC the license to book the bout for UFC 293 on Sept. 10 in Sydney, Australia.

3 things you need to know

• Dricus du Plessis defeated Robert Whittaker at UFC 290
• Du Plessis is not expected to recover for a quick turnaround
• Sean Strickland is seen as the likely replacement for Du Plessis

Also Read | WATCH: UFC fighter goes under the scissors to attain required body weight

Sean Strickland reveals 'UFC don't want' him vs Iserael Adesanya  

It's simply not enough time for "Stillknocks," who is still recovering from the Whittaker fight. As a result, Adesanya gave Sean Strickland the next title shot simply because "Tarzan" is the highest-ranked Middleweight who has yet to face Adesanya. Everything appeared to be set in stone, but Strickland is now claiming otherwise on Twitter. "UFC don't want it... sorry man," Strickland said in response to a fan.

Ufc don't want it.. sorry man

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) July 26, 2023

Strickland went on to say that "someone at the UFC really dropped the ball" by failing to book a main event for a card less than two months away. Strickland also hinted that money was an issue, so perhaps he and UFC couldn't come to a financial agreement.

Also Read | UFC 291: Complete fight card, live streaming, Date, Time, Venue for Poirier vs Gaethje

UFC may leave Israel Adesanya lingering?

If Strickland does not receive a title shot, the UFC's next move is unknown. Jared Cannonier wants a shot, but will he accept a rematch against Adesanya, which would likely be his final chance at gold, on such short notice? Alternatives such as Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa have fights scheduled against each other, and top-ranked fighters such as Whittaker and Vettori have recently lost. Because there is no one else available, Adesanya may not be able to fight in Australia.