Sean Strickland is next.
After delivering a lights-out performance against Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title last year, Strickland was relieved of his duties as the 185-pound champ in January, surrendering the strap to Dricus Du Plessis via a razor-close split decision.
Failing to secure an immediate rematch, Strickland went on to earn a victory over Paulo Costa in June, solidifying his spot as the division’s No. 1 ranked contender.