Chael Sonnen is explaining why he doesn’t want to see Robert Whittaker vs. Sean Strickland next.
Sean Strickland (28-6 MMA) in his first UFC middleweight title defence, lost to Dricus Du Plessis (21-2 MMA) by split decision this past January at UFC 297.
Robert Whittaker (26-7 MMA) is hot off a unanimous decision victory over Paulo Costa (14-3 MMA) this past February at UFC 298.
Following the victory, ‘The Reaper’ called out ‘Tarzan’ in his quest to get a shot at middleweight gold in the future, speaking with ‘Submission Radio’, Whittaker said:
“That’s the logical move to make. I want to fight for the title, right? I understand that’s a bit of a long whatever at this point. And Sean doesn’t look like he’s tied up. So, it is the logical step. Sure. Yeah. Ah, you can sound bite me whatever (laughs).”
While Whittaker believes that’s his logical next move, former contender Chael Sonnen disagrees.
It was during a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, that Sonnen spoke about the middleweight division and why he’s not keen on seeing a match-up between Whittaker and Strickland:
“I don’t know how Sean Strickland should handle it (callout). My thought on it is contrary to what I would generally have. I think Strickland should ignore it. I don’t think that those two should fight. I don’t think that that behooves all of us. I think it eliminates a top guy.”
Continuing, Chael Sonnen said (h/t MMANews):
“Generally in this sport, all we’re trying to do is get the top guys versus the top guys. I get it, (but) the timing feels off to me. It just feels off to me. If you agree with me and you think it’s off… we’re not gonna have this same opinion one week from now if Sean Strickland jumps onboard and addresses it… I think it’s the wrong direction.”
Do you agree with Chael Sonnen that Strickland vs. Whittaker is not the fight to make?
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