Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

UFC News: Sean Strickland Rules Out Title Eliminator Fight vs. Robert Whittaker

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Chris De Santiago | Last updated Jun 25, 2024 9:16 PM ET

Sean Strickland believes he's got the next title shot at middleweight, and he's not going to do anything to jeopardize that.

Business is booming in the UFC Middleweight division as champ Dricus Du Plessis is set to defend his title against Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 on Aug 17, but that's not all that's going on at 185lbs. Australia's Robert Whittaker has gone on a bit of a run as of late, picking up back-to-back wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov to stake his claim for a potential title shot or a spot as a back-up fighter at UFC 305.

Arman Tsarukyan Hit with Suspension & Hefty Fine for UFC 300 Fan Altercation

Sean Strickland's Stance On A Fight With Robert Whittaker

However, it may take Whittaker one more win to reach title contention, with some fans pushing for him to fight another former champ in Strickland to decide who'll get the winner of Du Plessis vs. Adesanya.

Let's just say Strickland isn't all that interested in putting his #1 contendership on the line (again)...

"I keep getting asked to fight whittaker," Strickland wrote on 'X' on Tuesday. "I beat Izzy [Adesanya], the world knows I beat dricus. Whittaker lost to both. I am the number 1 contender, I defended that spot easily against Costa. I will wait [for a title shot]."

I keep getting asked to fight whittaker. I beat Izzy, the world knows I beat dricus.

Whittaker lost to both.

I am the number 1 contender, I defended that spot easily against Costa.

I will wait.....
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) June 25, 2024

After dethroning Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, Strickland would go on to make a quick turnaround in a title defense four months later against Dricus Du Plessis, losing the championship by split decision - a fight he had thought he won.

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Strickland made it clear following his rebound win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 that he'd play the waiting game whenever it came to a title shot and he's not planning on going back on his word, even for a game contender like Whittaker.

UFC 303: Jiri Prochazka Open to Alex Pereira Trilogy: ‘You Only Fight the Best'

A Window Of Opportunity For Whittaker?

With that said, Whittaker isn't totally out of the title picture as UFC CEO Dana White said "we'd love to have him" in a back-up spot, should Dricus Du Plessis or Israel Adesanya withdraw from their title fight at UFC 305 in Australia - home to "The Reaper". That might end up being the case with Whittaker teasing an announcement soon.

Robert Whittaker reveals his plans after #UFCSaudiArabia and says he's going to announce something soon

"Stay tuned, gonna announce something."

IG / @robwhittakermma #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/MCzIm7J8Db
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 25, 2024