Morning Report: Sean Strickland says UFC wants him to 'shut up' after Doricus du Plessis wins 'Gift from God' title

Sean Strickland is starting to feel censored by the UFC.

2023 has been the biggest year of the 33-year-old middleweight's 34-fight career (28-6), but it's not even close. Strickland began his mixed martial arts career as an undefeated 15-0 prospect and had a strong six-fight winning streak in the UFC from October 2018 to July 2022. However, the latter streak did not lead to a world title like his three-fight streak. That was the case last year.

Strickland won the 185-pound gold medal in September of this year by defeating Israel Adesanya in a highly impressive unanimous decision. Unfortunately for him, Strickland lost his first title defense when he teamed up with Doricus du Plessis in January. The split decision was even, and the former champion still believes it should have gone his way. An immediate rematch with du Plessis is now in question, but Strickland sees this as a means of promotion that will take his ultra-pure personality away from the obligatory spotlight.

“I don't really talk to the UFC that much,” Strickland told The Schmo (h/t MMA Mania). “Everyone in the UFC [does is] Tell them to shut up. But let me tell you a little bit about the UFC. I deserve that rematch and if they don't give me that rematch, they're not one of us. Please understand that if they don't give me a rematch, it's for one reason only. They want me to shut this motherfucker up. We all know what's going to happen, and we'll see.

“[UFC CEO] Dana [White] That's the definition of free speech, and he supports it to some extent. But the UFC is funded – there's a big company called Bud Light, and even though Dana thought, “I let Shawn say what he wanted,'' a lot of very wealthy people are trying to get him to talk to me. I'm telling you to shut up. And not just shut me up, but shut up you guys too. Because everything I say is what you say. Everything I say is what UFC fans say. So when they rebuke me, please understand that I am rebuking you. ”

Ahead of his latest fight at UFC 297 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Strickland had one of the most controversial media days in recent memory. The former titleholder slammed the country and hurled insults at the media while sharing his thoughts on the LGBTQ community. In the end, Strickland was unaffected and business continued as usual during fight week.

Well, other than losing, that wasn't on Strickland's agenda.

“I won. My husband said I won, [Joe] Logan said I won, and we all know I won,” Strickland said. “I went to Canada and fought in front of the communists, but they fired me. I want dolicus, I want it. Win the title like a man, my friend. That you have received a gift from God. I get it. Let's get rid of this son of a bitch and let's solve this like a man. That's all I'm saying. Solve it like a man.”

Despite his manly demeanor and alpha mentality, Strickland highlighted his repeated mental struggles in social media videos this week. Since his rise to fame late last year, he hasn't been shy about being vulnerable in public, and even after briefly winning the title, Strickland doesn't seem to be allowing things to change him and is was part of his message.

Returning to Adesanya, the former two-time champion looks likely to be du Plessis' first challenger, even though he lost his last fight to Strickland. Strickland always fights with the intention of fighting any opponent, but he is most concerned about getting revenge against the South African.

“I'm at a good point in my life where I don't even have to fight,” Strickland said. “I don't care about the belt. I want to fight Drikas, I need to, and I need to know who won. Conclusion. I never cared about the belt, and I still don't.” I didn't. All I know is that you didn't win. The world thought I won, and the impressive ones thought I won. Bring this motherfucker back in. Let's deal with it. . You defeated me fair and square, and I will put a belt around your waist.”

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It will be very interesting to see Shawn go in this direction after losing the title. Sure, he believed he beat Jared Cannonier as well, but this is a little different. Is he just a smart businessman? It feels strange to assume that.

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