'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Sean Strickland believes he deserves another shot at middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, but the UFC 308 co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev might serve as a title eliminator, potentially throwing a wrench in his plans.
UFC commentator Jon Anik believes 'Tarzan' is the most qualified contender for the next title shot. As Anik sees it, Strickland has been a company man through and through, stepping up whenever the UFC needs him, regardless of the opponent. In a recent interview with The Schmo, the veteran sportscaster said:
"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 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."
Trending
Check out Jon Anik's comments below (4:50):
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Former titleholder Israel Adesanya fell short against reigning champion du Plessis in August, putting 'The Last Stylebender' out of contention. 'Stillknocks' has already beaten both Whittaker and Strickland, who returned to winning earlier this year as they chase a rematch with the South African champion.
Dricus du Plessis discusses fighting Sean Strickland, Robert Whittaker, and Khamzat Chimaev
Sean Strickland, Robert Whittaker, and Khamzat Chimaev are all in the title mix following Dricus du Plessis' win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.
The middleweight believes that fighting each of those three opponents has pros and cons. During the UFC 305 media day, 'Stillknocks' said:
"All three of those fighters have the pros and cons. Actually fighting Strickland, a lot of people want to see it, but it's a rematch. Fighting Khamzat he's never been beaten. It's going to be a massive fight just in terms of numbers. Fighting Whittaker, the all-time legend Robert Whittaker, but it's a rematch. So there are pros and cons in fighting any of these three guys."
Check out Dricus du Plessis' comments below:
