Sean Strickland declines fight with Anthony Hernandez for UFC 325 in Sydney — ‘Book it in the States’

Former UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland is preparing for a comeback following a six-month suspension for an incident in Las Vegas where he assaulted a regional fighter who had defeated his teammate at a Tuff-N-Uff event this past June.

The UFC initially aimed to feature Strickland in a high-profile matchup against rising contender Anthony Fluffy Hernandez at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. However, Strickland has confirmed he will not travel for the fight.

I said no to the Australia card, Strickland stated on social media. I love Australia and the fans, but I dont have medical insurance. They want me to fight there, give up part of my paycheck, and cover insurance costs. Thats not happening. Fluffy doesnt want it, I dont want it so were not doing it.

He added, I like the Fluffy fight. Lets get this booked in the United States. Im an American, one of the few real Americans competing in the UFC, so lets make it happen on home soil.

A matchup between Strickland and Hernandez is appealing given their positions in the rankings. Stylistically, it promises excitement: Hernandezs constant wrestling and pressure against Stricklands underrated takedown defense and boxing volume. Returning the fight to the U.S. seems timely, as Strickland has only fought once in America over the past two years and never as champion. A California event would be fitting, since both fighters hail from the state.

Strickland comes off a rematch loss to Dricus du Plessis and has a 1-2 record in his last three fights. Hernandez, on the other hand, is on an eight-fight winning streak and was close to a title shot before an injury sidelined him from a No. 1 contender fight against Reinier de Ridder in October.

If the UFC schedules the fight in the United States, fans will be eager to see who comes out on top.

Author: Noah Whitman