Sean Strickland expresses frustration with middleweight title clash against Dricus du Plessis possibly taking place in Sydney
Sean Strickland recently expressed his frustration with his middleweight title clash against Dricus du Plessis possibly taking place in Sydney, Australia. The former middleweight champion noted that he believes he could be at a disadvantage due to his criticism of governments.
'Tarzan' hasn't shied away from being vocal about certain issues, especially pertaining to politics, and described the dilemma it could cause. Strickland was involved in a verbal exchange with reporters in Toronto, Canada prior to his most recent title bout against du Plessis, which resulted in Dana White having to address it and reaffirming that he is a proponent of free speech.
The former middleweight champion recently took to his X account and responded after 'Stillknocks' coach stated that their rematch is being targeted for Sydney, Australia. Strickland wasn't pleased and questioned whether there was an ulterior motive for the UFC's decision:
"UFC event planning 'I have a great idea, let's send Sean to go fight for a championship in foreign country where the government absolutely hates him'. UFC are you fu**ing with me or are you trying to tell me you want me to spread freedom?! I wonder at times..."
Check out Sean Strickland's tweet below:
![Strickland's tweet regarding potential middleweight title fight in Sydney [Image courtesy: @SStricklandMMA - X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/39414-17280729963984-1920.jpg?w=500)
What happened when Sean Strickland fought Dricus du Plessis?
Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis kicked off the promotion's pay-per-view schedule this past January when they headlined UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada.
Strickland was the reigning middleweight champion and was making his first title defense after dethroning Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia. Meanwhile, du Plessis entered the bout with plenty of momentum as he came off an impressive win over Robert Whittaker.
It was an entertaining back-and-forth bout that saw du Plessis earn a split decision to become the new middleweight champion after the judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48 in his favor.
Check out the judges' decision for Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 below: