Does ‘Tarzan’ Deserve Another Shot at the Middleweight Division Belt?
Sean Strickland reminded the MMA world exactly why he remains one of the middleweight division’s most dangerous and polarizing figures. He completed this with a hard-fought victory over rising contender Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez last night. In a fight that many saw as a crossroads bout, the former champion delivered a composed, high-volume performance that showcased his trademark pressure, durability, and deceptively sharp boxing. The fans were very excited to see him win again and are ready to see what he does next.
From the opening bell, Strickland established control behind his jab, a weapon that has become one of the most reliable in the sport. He maintained his signature upright stance, walking Hernandez down, forcing exchanges, and refusing to give ground. Hernandez, known for his toughness and grappling-heavy style, attempted to close the distance and drag the fight into deeper waters. However, Strickland’s takedown defense and relentless pace blunted those efforts. Over five rounds, the former champion piled up strikes while largely avoiding prolonged danger, demonstrating the veteran traits that separate elite fighters from the rest of the pack. The win is significant not just because of the opponent, but because of what it represents. After losing his title, Strickland faced questions about whether his championship run had been a one-off moment or proof that he belonged at the very top of the division. Last night’s performance answered that emphatically. He looked disciplined, conditioned, and fully capable of competing with anyone at 185 pounds. Many of the fans would like to see him compete for the title again. He is a former champion and has shown time and time again that he is capable of beating the very best.
Regardless of whether he is given the opportunity or not, he still remains one of the fans' favorite fighters. While he has some controversies, he has always stayed true to himself and been very relatable to the fans. Another chance at the belt seems fair and very much a possibility for him if given the shot. His performance last night showed that he has a lot of talent and can make an interesting run in the Middleweight Division still.
