Despite calls from fans and pundits alike for a middleweight title eliminator between former champions, Sean Strickland, and Robert Whittaker – the former has once more shut down the clash, until he wins the divisional crown first.
Strickland, who currently holds the number one rank in the official middleweight pile, managed to remain the divisional top spot holder at UFC 302 back in May, securing a split decision win over common-opponent, Paulo Costa.
As for fellow ex-champion, Whittaker, just last month at UFC Saudi Arabia, the fan-favorite striker turned in a short-notice win over Ikram Aliskerov, finishing the highly-touted Russian prospect with a stunning first round knockout win.