Sean Strickland has decided to return to middleweight, and wants a direct matchup with the champion Israel Adesanya, as he believes he should be the next in line to contest for the 185-pound title.

I truly believe I should be the one fighting Izzy: Sean Strickland

The 7th ranked middleweight, Strickland made his debut at Light Heavyweight with a win over Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Vegas 67 back in January, in the wake of two back to back losses at 185 against Alex Pereira and Jared Cannonier.

Adesanya, who reinstated himself as the middleweight champion after defeating Pereira in the rematch at UFC 287, doesn’t have any fights booked up next. However, he is planned to have a title defense in September, with the winner of Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis as the challenger.

All that being said, Strickland believes he should get the next shot at Adesanya’s title and speaking to John Eric Poli, says that the fight needs to happen.

“If this fight goes my way, it 100 percent should be in the cards. I f*****g had a close decision with f*****g, what the f*ck was that guy’s name? Black guy. Jared Cannoiner, you knocked some brain cells out of me. Solid guy. Thought I won on the scorecards but it is what it is. I truly believe I should be the one fighting Izzy but I lost (to Alex Pereira) fair and square. I’ll pay my tenants. I’ll get some W’s but yeah, that one needs to happen,” said Strickland.

Do you think Sean Strickland should be the next to challenge Israel Adesanya? Let us know in the comment section below.

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