Sean Strickland continues to fall down middleweight pecking order as Dricus du Plessis’ coach reveals the South African’s likely next opponents
Sean Strickland was expected to be Dricus du Plessis' next opponent following the South African's title victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August. UFC CEO Dana White even confirmed that a rematch between Strickland and Du Plessis would, in all likelihood, be the next middleweight title fight.
However, Morne Visser, the head coach of 'Stillknocks', has shared concerning news for Strickland fans. According to Visser, should Robert Whittaker defeat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, the Australian will fight Du Plessis in February 2025.
He continued by stating that should the middleweight champion defeat 'The Reaper' once again, he will face Adesanya in a massive event in South Africa later in the same year.
Visser's comments came during a recent interview with Submission Radio, where he said this:
"I think that we will fight [Israel Adesanya] and Dana [White] is talking about it. I think the rematch that will be given to Izzy will be against Dricus, which makes the most sense. Two Africans, in South Africa. I honestly think we're gonna get the rematch against Izzy sometime next year, in 2025."
Watch Dricus du Plessis' coach discuss his next opponents below (11:59):
Sean Strickland should fight Dricus du Plessis next on merit, believes Jon Anik
Robert Whittaker's highly anticipated clash with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 has been dubbed a middleweight title eliminator. However, UFC commentator Jon Anik recently argued that no fighter at 185 pounds is more deserving of a title fight than Sean Strickland.
Anik cited 'Tarzan's' willingness to face off against unranked contenders and accept short-notice bouts as a large reason why he believes the former champion deserves a chance to regain the title he once held.
The UFC play-by-play commentator was recently interviewed by The Schmo, where he said this:
"In a straight meritocracy, I'm on record as promoting Sean Strickland, because he has repeatedly stepped up for the promotion. Let us not forget, he put up his No.4 ranking on the line against Alex Pereira when nobody wanted to fight 'Poatan'."
He added:
"He has stepped into main events against guys. He stepped into a five-round fight against Paulo Costa and he fought Dricus du Plessis toe-to-toe. So in a straight meritocracy, if I'm the promoter, I lean Strickland."
Watch Jon Anik discuss Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland (4:45):