Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Sean Strickland (red gloves)celebrates defeating Paulo Costa (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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Sean Strickland Ready To Fight Again With Suspension Expiring Soon And Targets This Month For Return

Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Sean Strickland (red gloves)celebrates defeating Paulo Costa (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Strickland has never been one to shy away from controversy or confrontation. The former middleweight champion has built his reputation as much on his outspoken personality as his fighting skills inside the octagon. Throughout his UFC career, Strickland has managed to stay in the headlines whether he’s winning titles, losing close decisions, or getting into trouble outside the cage.

His latest chapter involves working his way back from a suspension that has kept him sidelined since his February loss to Dricus Du Plessis. He is ready to fight again with suspension expiring soon.

The road back to active competition hasn’t been straightforward for Strickland. After losing his middleweight title to Du Plessis in a close rematch at UFC 312, Strickland found himself dealing with issues outside the octagon that would complicate his return timeline. The Nevada State Athletic Commission hit him with a six-month suspension and a $5000 fine following an altercation at a Tuff-N-Uff event back in June. For most fighters, this kind of setback might derail their momentum completely, but Strickland has always marched to the beat of his own drum.

Sean Strickland Getting Back In The Good Graces Of Athletic Commissions

The suspension might have seemed like a major roadblock, but Strickland has found a way to potentially shorten his time on the sidelines. The Nevada commission offered him a deal that could reduce his suspension from six months down to four and a half months if he completes an anger management course. Strickland appeared willing to jump through whatever hoops necessary to get back to fighting. If he finishes the course as planned, his suspension would be lifted in November, making him eligible to compete again in December.

The timing works out perfectly for what could be a high-profile return fight. UFC 323 is scheduled for December 6th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This represents the final pay-per-view event under the promotion’s current deal with ESPN. Strickland has expressed serious interest in being part of that card, which would give him a chance to fight in front of his home crowd in Nevada.

“Well the suspension should be up in November. I need a fight. Suspension should be up early November. Vegas December.”

Well the suspension should be up in November

I need a fight

Suspension should be up early November.

Vegas December 👊
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) September 17, 2025

The matchmaking possibilities for his return are genuinely intriguing and could go in several different directions. Israel Adesanya has been vocal about wanting a rematch with Strickland (29-7). This would be a massive draw given their previous encounter and ongoing verbal sparring. Other potential opponents include Anthony Hernandez, who has been making waves in the middleweight division with his recent performances. Even a fight with Robert Whittaker if the former champion is available makes sense. Whittaker has always been a fan favorite and represents the kind of established name that would make sense for Strickland’s return bout.

(Image Credit: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images)

Sean Strickland

UFC 323

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!