Sean Strickland declines fight with Anthony Hernandez for UFC 325 in Sydney — ‘Book it in the States’

Former UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland is preparing for a comeback following a six-month suspension for an incident in Las Vegas where he assaulted a regional fighter who had defeated his teammate at a Tuff-N-Uff event this past June.

The UFC initially aimed to feature Strickland in a high-profile matchup against rising contender Anthony Fluffy Hernandez at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. However, Strickland has confirmed he will not travel for the fight.

I said no to the Australia card, Strickland stated on social media. I love Australia and the fans, but I dont have medical insurance. They want me to fight there, give up part of my paycheck, and cover insurance costs. Thats not happening. Fluffy doesnt want it, I dont want it so were not doing it.

He added, I like the Fluffy fight. Lets get this booked in the United States. Im an American, one of the few real Americans competing in the UFC, so lets make it happen on home soil.

A matchup between Strickland and Hernandez is appealing given their positions in the rankings. Stylistically, it promises excitement: Hernandezs constant wrestling and pressure against Stricklands underrated takedown defense and boxing volume. Returning the fight to the U.S. seems timely, as Strickland has only fought once in America over the past two years and never as champion. A California event would be fitting, since both fighters hail from the state.

Strickland comes off a rematch loss to Dricus du Plessis and has a 1-2 record in his last three fights. Hernandez, on the other hand, is on an eight-fight winning streak and was close to a title shot before an injury sidelined him from a No. 1 contender fight against Reinier de Ridder in October.

If the UFC schedules the fight in the United States, fans will be eager to see who comes out on top.

Analysis: Strickland's Comeback and the UFC Landscape

Sean Strickland's decision to decline the UFC 325 fight in Australia highlights the ongoing logistical and financial considerations fighters face. His absence from the card is not due to lack of interest in competition, but practical concerns over medical insurance and pay, underscoring the challenges of international bouts for U.S.-based fighters.

The matchup against Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez remains highly relevant. Stylistically, it promises an engaging clash of strengths: Hernandez's relentless wrestling and pressure against Strickland's solid takedown defense and volume striking. Scheduling the fight in the United States, particularly California, aligns with both fighters' roots and could maximize fan engagement.

From a career perspective, Strickland is seeking redemption after a 1-2 record in his last three fights, including a rematch loss to Dricus du Plessis. Hernandez, meanwhile, brings momentum on an eight-fight winning streak and was poised for a title opportunity prior to injury. A U.S.-based fight would offer Strickland a strategic platform to reestablish himself while providing fans with a high-stakes contest between two top middleweights.

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• Sean Strickland admits to turning down Anthony Hernandez for UFC 325 in Sydney — ‘Get it booked in the States’