"Father DeSean", "Bro pulled a Michael Chandler" - Fans react to Sean Strickland's late Father's day dig at Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis

Sean Strickland has not been shy about his desire to receive the next middleweight title opportunity after defeating Paulo Costa via split decision in the co-main event of UFC 302. 'Tarzan' lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis via split decision in his first attempted title defense at UFC 297.

Following the announcement that the middleweight champion's first title defense will come against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, the No. 1-ranked middleweight took the opportunity to troll both fighters. Strickland shared an edited photo of himself holding 'Stillknocks' and 'The Last Stylebender' - who were edited as babies - while captioning the post:

"I'll wait..."

Check out Sean Strickland's Instagram post below:

Fans shared their reaction to the post, with @uncle_dijon claiming:

"Father DeSean Strickland confirmed"

@chrisbombbell joked that he followed Michael Chandler's footsteps:

"Bro pulled a Michael Chandler, adopted two African American kids🤣"

@1millikb suggested that Strickland only lost because the UFC wants to attract the South African market by having du Plessis as champion:

"I understand the UFC want that South Africa money you should still be champ!!"

@lovekairos wished Strickland a happy Father's Day:

"happy father’s day sean to you and your two kids"

@chancetheruthless claimed 'Tarzan' is the real champion:

"America knows who really won and who the real champion is 🇺🇸"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Sean Strickland expresses interest in waiting for a title shot

Sean Strickland has expressed that he believes he did enough to beat Dricus du Plessis when the two clashed in the main event of UFC 297, however, the judges saw things differently. While he angled for an immediate rematch, that was not the case as he faced Paulo Costa at UFC 302, while 'Stillknocks' will face Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

'Tarzan' took to X last week to reveal that he is willing to sit out for another title opportunity, stating:

"I am the number 1 contender for the title shot. I PAID MY DUES WITH COSTA. If I have to wait, I'll wait. But you all take 8 months to train for a fight. Sack up and get in the cage. Bunch of women..."

Check out Sean Strickland's tweet on fighting for the title below:

While Strickland's title bout with du Plessis was closely contested, it is no surprise that he did not receive an immediate rematch as he did not register a single title defense. Furthermore, Adesanya's status as a long-time champion - combined with his history with 'Stillknocks' - earned him the opportunity to fight for the belt in his return.

Following his victory over Costa, however, 'Tarzan' will likely receive the next title shot. 'The Last Stylebender' has already expressed that he will face Strickland if he claims the middleweight title for the third time.