What’s Next For Sean Strickland?

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland is looking to bounce back from his poor form as we take a look at what is next. 

Strickland, who stunned the MMA world in 2023 by defeating Israel Adesanya to win the UFC middleweight title, has not been in the best form of late. He lost the belt to Dricus Du Plessis in his first defense. While he bounced back with a win over Paulo Costa, Sean failed to reclaim the title in his rematch with Du Plessis.

One fight which has been talked up for his next bout is the rematch against Adesanya. Izzy has suffered three losses in a row, making it the toughest period of his career. The Strickland loss was followed up by a submission defeat to Dricus Du Plessis and a KO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in his last bout. Du Plessis expects Strickland to face Izzy next.

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“Imavov? No way, he’s already shown that he beats that style every time. Oh, Rob, he said Rob only has a blitz. That would be great. Na, I think the Adesanya rematch will be amazing. “Yeah, that’s what is going to happen. It’s going to be a Fight Night main event, I know it,” Du Plessis stated

Alternatively, Strickland could target Belal Muhammad. Sean called out the latter following his loss to Jack Maddalena. Belal lost a unanimous decision, as he lost his welterweight belt at UFC 315. Belal has previously spoken about his desire to move up in weight, which he could do so now that he no longer holds the belt. Islam Makhachev is expected to face Jack next for the title, as Belal has ruled out fighting Islam. While a Belal and Strickland fight could happen, Muhammad could face Shavkat Rakhmonov instead. 

Either way, Sean has been keeping himself busy for his next fight by sparring with Mike Perry. Perry has reinvented himself as the face of BKFC. He is undefeated with a 5-0 record, beating the likes of Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, and Thiago Alves. Although he briefly returned to boxing in 2024, losing to Jake Paul, his future plans are unclear. Strickland and Perry were staying sharp ahead of their next fights as they sparred each other.