Images: Chael Sonnen/YouTube & Jason Silva/Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

Chael Sonnen Explains Why He's Against Sean Strickland & Robert Whittaker Fighting: 'It's The Wrong Direction!'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 3/4/24

Former UFC title challenger has pleaded with Sean Strickland to "ignore" calls to fight fellow ex-champion Robert Whittaker next.

Whittaker took a sizable step toward gaining another opportunity to return to the throne that he formerly occupied last month, when he emerged victorious from a memorable war with Paulo Costa at UFC 298 in Anaheim.

With a rematch opposite newly crowned middleweight kingpin Dricus Du Plessis firmly in his sights, "The Reaper" is looking to do what he can to earn a second dance with "Stillknocks."

Judging by his recent remarks, that would appear to be a showdown with the South African's most recent opponent. Strickland fell short of a successful defense on the scorecards at the start of 2024, and with Israel Adesanya expected to be next in line, "Tarzan" could require a bounce-back result before challenging for the gold again.

But despite Whittaker labeling a clash with Strickland as the one that "makes the most sense," Sonnen isn't so sure...

Sonnen: The 'Timing Feels Off' For Strickland vs. Whittaker

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, ex-UFC middleweight title challenger Sonnen gave his take on the current landscape of the division he formerly competed in.

"The Bad Guy" made note of Whittaker's decision to call Strickland out, which came with the Australian having his eyes on a rumored Perth card this August.

But while he'd usually support a clash between two of the best in a weight class, Sonnen isn't sure the "timing" is right for Strickland and Whittaker to share the cage for the first time.

"I don't know how Sean Strickland should handle it (callout). My thought on it is contrary to what I would generally have. I think Strickland should ignore it," Sonnen said. "I don't think that those two should fight. I don't think that that behooves all of us. I think it eliminates a top guy.

"Generally in this sport, all we're trying to do is get the top guys versus the top guys. I get it, (but) the timing feels off to me," Sonnen continued. "It just feels off to me. If you agree with me and you think it's off... we're not gonna have this same opinion one week from now if Sean Strickland jumps onboard and addresses it... I think it's the wrong direction."

Elsewhere in the picture sits Jared Cannonier and Khamzat Chimaev, both of whom have attempted to stake their claims for title opportunities in recent months. Meanwhile, the rising Brendan Allen is set to collide with Marvin Vettori in April.

With those names in mind, perhaps Sonnen will get his wish by seeing Whittaker and Strickland looking to advance their similar goals in separate matchups down the line.

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

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