It’s been almost 10 years since Sean Strickland joined the UFC. After compiling an undefeated record in the King of the Cage promotion, many were wondering how this Californian kid would fare in the big time. In this retrospective, we will delve deep into the life and times of the man who has earned the moniker of “Tarzan” in the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts.
The Early Years
Let’s rewind the clock and take a look at Sean Strickland’s formative years. Born on February 27, 1991, in Anaheim, California, Strickland’s journey to the Octagon began with a love for martial arts that burned brightly from a young age.
Growing up in a tough California environment, where the sun-soaked streets are filled with dreams of stardom, Strickland initially found himself drawn to the allure of neo-Nazism. Thankfully, his mother took him to an MMA gym where his life took a dramatic turn. Sean would find out that he was much better at punching people in the ring.
Rising Through the Ranks
Joining the Californian-based King of the Cage promotion was the next logical step. Sean steadily brushed aside his peers, only looking to make the transition to UFC when he had proved himself. Often falling back on his BJJ experience, it was evident he knew how to win fights. After three successful title defences, the UFC beckoned.
The UFC Debut – A Dream Realised
Sean Strickland’s ultimate goal was to compete on the grandest stage of them all—the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In 2014, his dream was realised when he signed with the UFC.
His UFC debut took place at UFC 171, where he faced Bubba “The Menace” McDaniel. After a clunky start, Sean showed a nice ground game before winning by submission in Round 1. He wasn’t satisfied. Recognising he still had a long way to go, it would be years before he would be considered for the prized events.
Barring a demoralising beatdown by Usman in 2017, Sean’s career was on the rise. Six wins in his next nine fights after his debut will do that for you. But then, tragedy.
Triumph Over Adversity
Life threw Strickland a curveball in 2018 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident. This setback could have been the end of his career, but it only served as a temporary obstacle. Even though he required extensive knee surgery, Strickland’s determination and grit allowed him to bounce back stronger than ever.
Strickland’s recovery from this major injury is tantamount to what makes him so hard to keep down. The man was boxing on one leg 12 weeks after a horrific motorcycle crash!
After a two-year hiatus, Sean Strickland made his triumphant return to the Octagon in 2020. His performance against Jack Marshman was nothing short of spectacular, reminding fans and critics alike of his undeniable talent.
Current Form
Tarzan has faced 10 fights after his major injury, going 8-2. His unorthodox style has left many an opponent confused and bested. Not so much a grappler as he was in his youth, Sean’s out-and-out boxing style is both relentless and janky. There’s not much his opponents have been able to do against Sean walking them down.
His experience and consistency led him to a title shot. Granted, he likely only received it as du Plessis was injured. Despite being a heavy underdog for the Adesanya fight, Strickland’s heavy counter-attacking style got him the dub, one-side win decision win over Adesanya, a major upset, as Adesanya was a 7/1 betting favourite.
Sean declared early on that he would measure his success through only one way – becoming a champion. In one of the biggest upsets of 2023, he achieved that. So, what’s next for Tarzan, the current king of the middleweights? A likely rematch with Adesanya beckons. Using trusted casinos offering fast payout options is a way to get in on the action – betting against Strickland has proven to be an unwise decision!
Who could Strickland’s first title defence be against?
Jared Cannonier
Jared Cannonier squared off against Sean Strickland in a captivating duel in 2022 that showcased the contrast between Cannonier’s explosive power and Strickland’s consistent volume. Throughout the five-round bout, Strickland was persistent with his robust jab, yet he struggled to parry Cannonier’s relentless advances and powerful combination of hooks and overhand punches. These impactful hits from Cannonier seemed to be the deciding factor that tipped the scales in his favour. In the judges’ decision, both Derek Cleary and Junichiro Kamijo favoured Cannonier with a 49-46 score, while Sal D’Amato saw it differently, awarding Strickland a 49-46 victory. Nevertheless, the majority sided with Cannonier, highlighting the significance of power punches in the contest.
Given the tight competition and controversial outcome of their last encounter, the possibility of a rematch between Strickland and Jared Cannonier is quite compelling. While there might be other intriguing matchups on the horizon, pitting Strickland against Cannonier again could address the lingering debates from their previous bout. Cannonier, after all, managed to secure a victory over Strickland in a contest that was both close-knit and contentious. Notably, many around the UFC have voiced the sentiment that Strickland might have deserved the win. With such a backdrop, a rematch could serve as an opportunity to settle scores and offer clarity to the fans.
Dricus du Plessis
Dricus Du Plessis has quickly emerged as a formidable contender in the UFC landscape, making waves with his striking second-round TKO over the former champ, Robert Whittaker, at UFC 290 in Las Vegas this year. This impressive win not only fortified Du Plessis’ unblemished 6-0 UFC record but also took his overall professional tally to an outstanding 20-2. Originally slated to square off against Adesanya at UFC 293, an unforeseen injury coupled with the short preparation time forced Du Plessis to step aside, paving the way for Strickland to step in and claim the title. Following the chain of events and the simmering tension between Du Plessis and Adesanya — it seems only logical for Du Plessis to first seek a clash with Strickland.
Beyond this, Du Plessis has made his ambitions clear: he is gunning for an eagerly awaited showdown with Adesanya, setting the stage for what could be a monumental grudge match.
Winner of Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Taking place on October 21st, this is a match fans wont want to miss. As the UFC middleweight division continues to heat up, fans eagerly anticipate a high-voltage clash between two of its most prominent figures, Paulo Costa and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, set for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 21. While Chimaev will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome from the local audience, Costa remains undeterred, vowing to silence his adversary. The stakes of this bout transcend a mere win-loss record.
A possible face-off with Sean Strickland is on the horizon for the victor, and there’s much to dissect in these potential matchups. Should Chimaev emerge triumphant, the MMA community will keenly watch how Strickland’s grappling technique matches up against the dominant Chimaev. Moreover, the prospect of Strickland facing Chimaev’s distinct pressure and posture presents a tantalising stylistic battle. On the other hand, a victorious Costa sets up an electrifying bout given the existing tension between him and Strickland, ensuring fireworks both inside and outside the Octagon.
Conclusion
In the unpredictable world of MMA, Sean Strickland’s journey stands out as a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one’s dreams. From his early years in California to his triumphant return to the Octagon, Strickland’s career is a story of grit, passion, and unwavering dedication. As we continue to watch this “King of the Jungle” carve his path in the UFC, one thing is certain – Tarzan will continue to swing from vines of adversity to reach the pinnacle of success in the world of MMA.
