Sean Strickland is currently the number-one ranked middleweight in the UFC. The American middleweight did the unthinkable to dethrone champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. His title reign was short after he lost the belt to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297. Although Strickland claimed the judges robbed him of the win, it was the end of his tenure as the champion
After his last win, ‘Tarzan’ is now waiting for his title rematch against South African champion Dricus Du Plessis. Speaking of South Africa, as it turns out, the former champion has a history with the country. In an interview with Brett Okamoto of ESPN, Strickland shared the story of him fighting in South Africa to make money.
Funny enough, I retired from fighting, but I got arrested and had to pay a bail bondsman. So when you need quick cash, what do you do? I went and fought one of their guys on two weeks’ notice in South Africa, just to pay the bond.
Sean Strickland via ESPN MMA
Strickland has always been one of the most controversial fighters in the UFC roaster. The American fighter often gets backlash for his unapologetic comments on sensible topics. Recently, he accused top MMA manager Tiki Ghosn of his alleged predatory behavior. Strickland was ready to take the case to court and slammed mainstream media for covering up the story.
💥😳Sean Strickland shared a story about how he fought in South Africa to avoid going to jail.
“Funny enough, I retired from fighting, but I got arrested and had to pay a bail bondsman. So when you need quick cash, what do you do? I went and fought one of their guys on two… pic.twitter.com/7MpZSKyQjW
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 21, 2024
Nevertheless, inside the octagon, Strickland is a fan favorite and currently one of the biggest draws for the UFC. As a result, the promotion is trying its best to capitalize on it. Recently, Dana White announced the ‘Tarzan’ as the default number one contender for the upcoming shot against Dricus Du Plessis.
Sean Strickland vows to bring the middleweight championship back to America
Recently, at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title against Israel Adesanya by submitting him. After the fight, DDP snubbed Dana White’s plans to give Strickland the title shot. According to the champion, Robert Whittaker is the best contender for the shot. However, the UFC top brass might not change their plans just because DDP said so.
Sean Strickland warns Dricus Du Plessis ahead of potential title rematch (via Imago)Right after the fight, Strickland immediately started making his case for the title shot on X. The American fighter mentioned that he wouldn’t go to a ‘corrupt’ and ‘racist’ country like South Africa to fight. The proud American, moreover, believes he will definitely bring the belt back to his country.
We will be fighting in the land of the free… You’re not ducking me Dutch man……… I know you’re going to try…. it’s not happening….. Dana white “you’re next in line” Were bringing it back to America and the belt is staying back in America!
Sean Strickland via X
We will be fighting in the land of the free… You’re not ducking me Dutch man……… I know you’re going to try…. it’s not happening…..
Dana white “you’re next in line”
Were bringing it back to America and the belt is staying back in America!
🇺🇸— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) August 18, 2024
UFC if Dricus, wins you might have to go to SA
Yall do you really want me going to a corrupt country with deep seated racism and poverty that is usually on the brink of a civil war?!?!
“Here’s the thing about South Africa” lol
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) August 16, 2024
Apart from all this, Du Plessis is currently having the time of his life after defending his belt. He even got the opportunity to mock popular rapper Drake after he bet $450K against DDP at UFC 305. Going forward, the South African has plans to move up and fight Alex Pereira. However, before that, he must take care of Strickland first.
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