Ranked UFC Middleweight Vet Speaks Up On Sean Strickland Reportedly Getting Next Title Shot

UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland’s next potential fight against Israel Adesanya has one ranked veteran scratching his head.

Adesanya was originally expected to face the surging Dricus du Plessis at UFC 293 in Sydney. But, it’s been reported that du Plessis is dealing with a nagging leg injury and won’t be ready in time to fight for the September 10th pay-per-view.

Du Plessis earned the seemingly next title shot after finishing Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. He and Adesanya had a viral face-to-face in the Octagon following his win.

Strickland most recently earned an impressive win over Abus Magomedov in a UFC Fight Night headliner earlier this month. He also defeated Nassourdine Imavov in a short-notice light heavyweight bout to begin 2023.

Despite back-to-back impressive performances, Derek Brunson doesn’t think Strickland should get the nod for the title shot.

Derek Brunson ‘Salty’ After UFC 293 Rumors

In a recent tweet, Brunson called out the UFC for apparent hypocrisy.

A little salty this am . I was ranked #3 on a 5 fight Winning streak and had to fight a title eliminator for my title shot ! 😭 Strickland ranked #6 on 2 fight streak and next . Congrats to Sean tho no shade . Just tears haha 😢

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 20, 2023

“A little salty this am . I was ranked #3 on a 5 fight Winning streak and had to fight a title eliminator for my title shot !” Brunson tweeted. “Strickland ranked #6 on 2 fight streak and next . Congrats to Sean tho no shade . Just tears.”

Brunson was originally targeting a retirement after a loss to Jared Cannonier at UFC 271 last year. He returned to face du Plessis at UFC 285; falling short by corner stoppage in the second round.

Brunson was on a five-fight winning streak before losing to Cannonier at UFC 271. He defeated the likes of Darren Till, Kevin Holland, and Edmen Shahbazyan during the stint.

Adesanya vs. Strickland arguably is a better sell than a Brunson title fight might’ve been, although it’s still justified for Brunson to feel a bit confused amidst these recent rumors.

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