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Sean Strickland faces Jack Hermansson next and a middleweight title shot could be in the offering.
During an interview posted on MMA Junkie’s official YouTube channel, ‘Tarzan' explained why he deserves a shot at the title if Brunson were to come out victorious. The middleweight contender said:
"If Brunson wins, I think I should get the title shot, if I beat Jack. If Cannonier wins, then he deserves it, but if Brunson wins... We've already seen that. I think I should get it."
Watch the full clip of Sean Strickland on MMA Junkie below:
Strickland went on to say that he does not believe Robert Whittaker will defeat UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in their rematch at UFC 271. 'The Last Stylebender' has defeated both 'The Reaper' and Brunson, but 'Tarzan' has yet to face the champion.
Both Cannonier and Brunson are ranked above Strickland at No.3 and No.4 respectively. However, 'Tarzan,' who is the No.7-ranked fighter at middleweight, wants his shot at gold if Derek Brunson beats Jared Cannonier.
Sean Strickland is set to fight Jack Hermansson at a UFC event on February 5th, 2022.
Sean Strickland returns to action against No.6-ranked Jack Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 201. The pair will fight one week prior to the middleweight title fight between champion Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker scheduled for UFC 271 on February 12th.
'Tarzan' comes into the fight on a five-fight win streak, with his latest victory coming via unanimous decision against Uriah Hall in the main event of UFC on ESPN 28. Strickland had a notable fight against UFC top star Kamaru Usman in 2017.
Strickland went the distance with 'The Nigerian Nightmare' and ultimately lost via unanimous decision. Since the loss to Usman, he's won six of his last seven bouts.
Meanwhile, 'The Joker' comes off a victory against Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 188. Hermansson also had a memorable finish over UFC top middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum in 2020. 'The Joker' was able to catch Gastelum's leg during a scramble and submitted the then No.7-ranked fighter early in the first round via heel hook.
While neither fighter is confirmed for a title shot in the Strickland vs. Hermansson matchup, the winner is sure to be near the front of the line at 185lbs division.
