Sean Strickland has revealed that he sustained a significant injury during a recent fight. The former middleweight champion is aiming to reclaim the title at UFC 312 scheduled for February 2025.
About 13 months ago, when Dricus du Plessis defeated Strickland in their 13th-round bout, either fighter had a chance at victory. However, in their rematch, Du Plessis decisively crushed Strickland’s nose and secured a clear decision win.
Strickland, who lost every round against Du Plessis in their latest encounter despite previously pushing him to the edge, finally opened up on the reason for his subpar performance. He disclosed that he broke his shoulder while riding a bike with Axel Hodges before the fight and had to have stem cell injections in Colombia to treat it. Strickland expressed frustration over the UFC’s control, saying fighters can’t refuse fights due to the organization’s strong hold. He welcomed the time off to heal, noting his shoulder now feels great, and admitted he missed competing but enjoyed being “fat and lazy” for a while.
Looking ahead, Strickland is set to return to the octagon at UFC Houston on February 21st, where he will face Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez in what could be a pivotal fight for the middleweight title contention. With Du Plessis losing his belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, the path has opened up for Strickland, who was awaiting a trilogy bout with Du Plessis. A strong win against Hernandez might vault him ahead of other contenders in the 185-pound division. Fans are eagerly anticipating if the intense rivalry showdown between Strickland and Chimaev will happen in 2026.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for fight enthusiasts because it sheds light on the physical toll fighters endure while balancing tough match schedules under UFC’s pressure. Strickland’s recovery and upcoming fights could significantly shake up the middleweight division, promising high stakes and thrilling matchups for the sport’s future.
