Strickland’s coach confirms UFC negotiating Adesanya title defense in Sydney

Eric Nicksick has delivered an encouraging update regarding Strickland’s potential participation in UFC 293, scheduled for September 10 in Sydney, Australia. Nicksick hinted at the likelihood of Strickland vying for the middleweight championship against Israel Adesanya in the main event. The coach expressed optimism after a recent update from Strickland, affirming that all signs point towards a positive outcome.

During an appearance on Submission Radio, Nicksick elaborated on the situation:

“It’s all looking good from our end. Sean and I just finished sparring, and I asked him about it. I’m already set to be there, as I’ll be cornering Casey O’Neill and Manel Kape.”

Nicksick, associated with Xtreme Couture, also highlighted the potential inclusion of Strickland alongside O’Neill and Kape in the event. Although there are some logistical details to be finalized, the coach conveyed that Strickland’s participation against Adesanya seems likely:

“It would be fantastic to have the trio on the card. Right now, Sean’s focus is on getting his Visa sorted. The indications are positive, although it’s not officially confirmed yet. We’re still in a holding pattern, awaiting official confirmation.”

The middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland is pending official confirmation from the UFC.

In his most recent appearance, Sean Strickland faced Abusupiyan Magomedov at UFC Vegas 76 on July 1. Strickland’s decision to face Magomedov, an unranked contender, was a significant gamble. A loss could have jeopardized Strickland’s top-10 ranking and hindered his journey back to title contention.

However, Strickland showcased his prowess by securing a decisive second-round TKO victory, earning the Performance of the Night bonus. The 32-year-old’s impressive performance and minimal damage sustained in the bout garnered attention from fans. This attention grew particularly when news emerged that Dricus du Plessis would be unable to compete at UFC 293.

Strickland’s triumph positioned him as a potential title challenger in the middleweight division. If the anticipated bout against Israel Adesanya materializes, it would mark a remarkable progression for Strickland’s career and solidify his status as a serious contender in the MMA world. Fans await the official announcement from the UFC to confirm the exciting matchup that could unfold at UFC 293.