Israel Adesanya (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

There’s been no shortage of talk lately about Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya fighting. But, it’s been confirmed that the UFC’s middleweight champ will fight Sean Strickland next.

Du Plessis was expected to challenge Adesanya next, on account of his second-round, stoppage win over Robert Whittaker in July. But, the contender is reportedly unable to compete in the short term, due to an injury.

More recently, UFC President Dana White announced that Stean Strickland will challenge Adesanya at UFC 293, September 9th. The card is taking place in Sydney, Australia.

Strickland (27-5) is coming off wins over Abusupiyan Magomedov and Nassourdine Imavov, following consecutive losses to Jared Cannonier and Alex Pereira.

Adesanya (24-2), meanwhile, avenged his losses to Pereira in April, by knocking out the now-former champ in round two.