Sean Strickland currently competes in the middleweight division of UFC. His ability to defeat Israel Adesanya is questioned by an MMA star, especially in light of Strickland’s demand for a larger payday. Although “Tarzan” has stated a desire to face “The Last Stylebender” for the UFC middleweight championship, the MMA star doubts Strickland’s chances in the hypothetical contest.
The American’s demand on being paid more for the bout has some wondering if he is actually confident in his ability to take on the title. The MMA community eagerly anticipates a resolution as negotiations between Strickland and the UFC continue to see if the matchup will take place and if he will back his demand with a compelling performance inside the octagon.
Jared Cannonier doubts Strickland’s ability to defeat Adesanya
Tarzan’s ability to overcome Israel Adesanya in a prospective matchup has been questioned by Jared Cannonier, who defeated Strickland at UFC Fight Night. The split decision victory by Cannonier versus Strickland demonstrated his proficient striking and capacity to out-point his adversary over the course of five rounds. Despite the 32-year-old’s gregarious demeanor and recent string of victories, Cannonier thinks that Strickland’s goal may be more centered on monetary benefits than a genuine desire to capture the middleweight championship.
“Tha Killa Gorilla” talked with Helen Yee about his opinions on the likely conflict between Strickland and Adesanya. He claimed that Strickland doesn’t seem to think he can defeat Adesanya and that his main goal may be to earn money rather than pursue victory over the UFC middleweight champion.
“Well, Sean doesn’t even believe he could beat [Adesanya] he can win that fight, you know. He just wants to go in there and fight and get some money. I believe I can win that fight,” he said during the interview.
“The way those styles match up, I don’t think Sean will be able to work his jab… his funky a** footwork, his ability to evade shots, I think Izzy is way too long, he’s a sniper. And he is too diverse, he is too versatile with his striking, and I don’t think Sean’s grappling is good enough to make it a factor,” he further added.
Watch the full interview here:
Sean Strickland demands higher purse for Adesanya bout
For his probable title match against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, Sean Strickland is asking for a higher purse. A formal agreement has not yet been made, despite reports claiming Dricus Du Plessis is out and Strickland is in as the next contender for Adesanya’s UFC middleweight title. Strickland indicated interest in the fight, which is set for September 9, but he demands an extra payout.
In an interview with Helen Yee, Strickland made his stance clear, stating, “We’re in talks. Like I said, it just comes down to just f*cking pay me. Let me ask you guys, do we really want to watch Dricus and Izzy fight? No. We don’t want to watch Dricus and Izzy fight. You want to watch me fight. Am I going to win? I don’t know, but I’m going to go in there and punch that motherf**king Chinese right in the face.”
Sean Strickland feels deserving of a chance at the crown, which motivates him to demand a larger payday. The American has established himself to be a top contender in the middleweight division by taking on difficult opponents with little reward. Tarzan hopes that the UFC will acknowledge his accomplishments and pay him appropriately since he feels that he deserves the chance to compete against “The Last Stylebender” for the championship.
The next championship candidate for the Nigerian has not yet been announced by the UFC, and a matchup between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 may determine who that person will be. But Strickland believes he’s ready to face Adesanya in the octagon if the terms are right and continue to speak out about his desire for a championship opportunity.
What are your views on Tarzan’s demand and the potential matchup between Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya? Share in the comment section below.
