Sean Strickland admits to turning down a fight with a top middleweight for an unexpected reason; find out why.

Sean Strickland at the entrance to the UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Keeping in mind that Sean Strickland He has been away from the octagon since his second loss to Dricus Du Plessis In February of this year, many fans might have concluded that the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) was eager to return to action, especially since the athlete also faced a Suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission During this period, after getting into a fight with another fighter at a smaller event. However, while the desire to fight exists, the American seems to have a serious objection to competing outside the USA.

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In a video posted to his official X account (formerly Twitter), Strickland revealed that he had refused a fight against anthony hernandez in Australia. Although he did not state the reason for his refusal, he made it clear that he would face the fourth-ranked fighter in his category in his country.

"Yes, I said no to the invitation to Australia. Fluffy doesn't want to, I don't want to, we're not going to do it. We're going to settle this mess in the United States," the fighter stated.

Sean Strickland says he turned down the fight against anthony hernandez at #UFC325 in Sydney because he doesn't want to fight in Australia

“Yes, I did say no to the Australia card. Fluffy don't wanna do it, I don't wanna do it, we ain't doing it. Let's get this sh*t booked in… pic.twitter.com/BAPRCoubIRi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 2, 2025

Next, he spoke briefly about the current situation of the category and harshly criticized it. Khamzat Shimaev, who is recovering from an injury. Finally, he even considered a move to the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg) in the future.

“The middleweight division is at stake. There’s Chimaev, that ***. He’ll observe Ramadan, then have surgery, and in a year he’ll fight Nassourdine and just rub against him. The middleweight division doesn’t exist. It would be better for me to try and fight for the light heavyweight title than the middleweight title,” he concluded.

Sean Strickland is a former UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram