UFC Vegas 47: Sean Strickland calls for middleweight title shot after decision win over Jack Hermansson
- American critical of split decision win over ‘The Joker’, and says ‘I was being a pansy’
- Still, surging middleweight contender ‘would love to get a title shot’ against winner of Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker’s rematch
Sean Strickland has his sights set on the UFC middleweight title.
The outspoken American middleweight returned to action in the main event of UFC Vegas 47 on Saturday night, taking on Norway-based Swede Jack Hermansson, and ultimately winning a split decision to move onto a six-fight streak.
In victory, the 30-year-old believes he has earned a crack at the middleweight championship, which will next be on the line when champion Israel Adesanya defends against Robert Whittaker at UFC 271 in Houston, Texas next Saturday.
“I would love to get a title shot,” Strickland (25-3) said in his post-fight interview with commentator Michael Bisping. “I’m a company man. I will fight who you put in front of me, but if they have the belt I will be very happy.”
The 33-year-old Hermansson (22-7), a grappler by trade, began chasing the takedown early in the fight. But Strickland was able to deny all eight of his rival’s attempts to drag the bout to the canvas. On the feet, he was in complete control of the action. He had particular success with his jab, which he used to do damage and to keep Hermansson at range.
It was an impressive win, but Strickland was seemingly unsatisfied with his performance.