Look, we’ve all been here before. A fighter coming off back-to-back losses suddenly starts making noise about wanting specific opponents. But when Robert Whittaker drops Sean Strickland’s name for his next fight, it’s not just desperate matchmaking – it’s actually pretty smart business.
The former middleweight champion made his intentions crystal clear during a recent appearance on his MMArcade podcast. “I want to fight in Sydney next February,” Whittaker stated matter-of-factly. “I’d love to fight Strickland. I’ve been wanting that fight for a while. I think it’d be a good fight. He always brings people to cards.”
And honestly? He’s not wrong. Strickland might be one of the most polarizing figures in the UFC, but the man knows how to sell a fight. Whether he’s spouting controversial takes on social media or getting into heated exchanges during press conferences, Strickland brings eyeballs. For a fighter like Whittaker who’s facing retirement whispers, that kind of attention is exactly what he needs.
The timing makes perfect sense too. Whittaker wants to compete on home soil in Sydney, and while he admits Strickland probably won’t make the trip Down Under, stranger things have happened in this sport. Remember when everyone said Conor McGregor would never fight in Las Vegas again? Yeah, that worked out real well.
The Reality of Whittaker’s Current Situation
Let’s be brutally honest about where Bobby Knuckles stands right now. The 34-year-old Australian is coming off consecutive losses to Reinier de Ridder and Khamzat Chimaev. That Chimaev fight in particular was rough – a face-crank submission that left Whittaker sidelined with severe facial damage for months.
Those aren’t just numbers on a record; they’re warning signs that Father Time might be catching up with one of the division’s most beloved veterans. Whittaker himself has acknowledged that championship aspirations have become “kind of a pipe dream.” When a former champion starts talking like that, you know the writing’s on the wall.
But here’s the thing about Whittaker – the guy’s still got skills. His losses to de Ridder and Chimaev weren’t because he suddenly forgot how to fight. Against de Ridder, it was a split decision that could’ve gone either way. And against Chimaev? Well, that’s just what happens when you face a wrestling prodigy who seems to have been built in a laboratory specifically to destroy middleweights.
Sean Strickland’s Complicated Timeline
Now, about Strickland – this is where things get interesting. The former champion hasn’t fought since losing his title to Dricus du Plessis back in February. That alone would be a significant layoff, but Strickland managed to complicate his situation even further.
The controversial fighter is currently serving a suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission after entering the cage at a regional event and throwing hands with a competing athlete. Because of course he did. It’s like Strickland can’t help himself when it comes to finding new ways to create drama.
He’s eligible for a return later this year if he fulfills the terms of his suspension, but knowing Strickland’s track record, that’s a pretty big “if.” The man has a talent for turning simple situations into complicated messes.
What This Fight Would Actually Look Like
Stylistically, Whittaker versus Strickland would be fascinating. You’d have Whittaker’s technical striking and improved takedown defense going up against Strickland’s relentless pressure and cardio. It’s the kind of fight that could go either way, which is exactly what makes it compelling.
Whittaker’s best wins have come against opponents who try to match his technical game. Strickland, on the other hand, isn’t trying to out-technique anyone. He’s going to walk forward, throw punches, and make it ugly. That’s not necessarily a recipe for disaster for Whittaker, but it would certainly test his ability to adapt to different styles.
The real question is whether either fighter has anything left in the tank. Both men are 34, both have taken significant damage over the years, and both are facing questions about their futures in the sport.
The Business Case for This Matchup
From a promotional standpoint, this fight makes all kinds of sense. You’ve got two former champions, both with legitimate grievances and compelling storylines. Whittaker gets his homecoming fight in Sydney, Strickland gets to play the heel in hostile territory, and the UFC gets a main event that practically sells itself.
The Australian market has always been important to the UFC, and Whittaker remains their biggest star in that region. Giving him a winnable fight against a name opponent in front of his home crowd? That’s good business, even if it doesn’t move the title picture forward.
For Strickland, it’s a chance to get back in the win column against a respected veteran. A victory over Whittaker would put him right back in the title conversation, especially in a division that’s still trying to figure itself out post-du Plessis.
The Retirement Question Looming Large
Here’s what nobody wants to talk about but everyone’s thinking – this could very well be one of Whittaker’s final fights. The man has given everything to this sport, from his days as a welterweight prospect to his championship run at middleweight. He’s taken damage, he’s faced the best competition in the world, and he’s done it all while being a consummate professional.
If Whittaker is indeed winding down his career, facing Strickland in Sydney would be a fitting way to do it. Win or lose, it would give him a chance to compete one more time in front of the fans who’ve supported him throughout his journey.
The sport would be poorer without Whittaker’s presence, but all good things must come to an end. At least with this potential matchup, we’d get one more chance to see what made him special in the first place.