Sean Strickland Takes Vicious Swipe at Robert Whittaker, Drops Update on UFC Return

After reclaiming the UFC gold, Sean Strickland appears to have lost none of his trademark edge. Fresh off dethroning Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 and beginning his second stint atop the middleweight division, Strickland is already fielding questions about potential challengers and his timetable for returning to action.

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has long been floated as a potential challenger. While a clash between two of the division's most accomplished veterans makes sense on paper, Strickland doesn't seem interested in entertaining it.

Sean Strickland Has Little Interest in Facing Robert Whittaker

Whittaker (27-9-0) remains one of the most respected fighters on the UFC roster. In fact, “The Reaper” has spent years competing against the middleweight elite, sharing the cage with elites like Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev, Yoel Romero, and Paulo Costa.

Despite Whittaker's impressive track record, Strickland doesn't appear enthusiastic about the possibility of meeting him inside the Octagon.

When asked about a potential showdown with the Aussie, Strickland made it clear that the matchup simply doesn't appeal to him.

"It's not a fight I'm excited about," Strickland said. "He's like the girl at the party everybody's f***ed. And you're just like... uh, maybe if it's 3 a.m. and there's nobody left, I might try it."

He doubled down moments later, saying, "Whittaker's body count is too high. I want to fight somebody that makes me excited."

Although the comments may be abrasive as the fighter, they align with Strickland's longstanding approach to promoting fights. 

Whether his remarks stem from genuine disinterest or are simply another example of the American stirring conversation remains open to interpretation. Nevertheless, they do little to help Whittaker secure a title opportunity in the near future.

As of now, the Aussie is on a two-fight skid, having lost to Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder.  

On the other hand, the 185-lb division is currently crowded with contenders. A rematch with Chimaev remains a possibility as far as Strickland is concerned, while Nassourdine Imavov has patiently waited for his chance at UFC gold. Meanwhile, Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman are also set to collide at UFC Oklahoma City in a high-profile bout that could produce another viable challenger.

Strickland Targets December Return after Shoulder Injury

For now, Strickland's focus appears to be on getting healthy. The newly crowned champion revealed shortly after his UFC 328 victory that he suffered a significant injury to his right shoulder during his five-round battle with the Chechen.

As pundits noted, the 35-year-old threw noticeably fewer right hands as the five-round bout wore on, something that now appears to have been directly linked to the injury. Fortunately for fans eager to see him defend the belt, the layoff may not be particularly lengthy.

Responding to a fan on X, Strickland suggested that a return before the end of the year is firmly on the table.

"We're looking at a December return," Strickland wrote. "Just cant become a fat POS while I heal up haha."

Skies Cloudy as Far as Next Opponent for Strickland

If Strickland (31-7-0) sticks to that schedule, he'll end up fighting three times in 2026. Having already picked up wins over Anthony Hernandez and Chimaev, another outing in December would make for an unusually busy year by today's championship standards.

As for his next challenger, the picture remains murky. There is no shortage of contenders at middleweight, but if Strickland's recent comments are anything to go by, Whittaker doesn't appear to be high on his wish list.