Possible rewritten versions: – Israel Adesanya’s Title Fight Should Be on the Cards – Israel Adesanya’s Title Fight Deserves to Be on the Cards – Why Israel Adesanya’s Title Fight Should Be on the Cards – Fans and Experts Call for Israel Adesanya’s Title Fight to Be on the Cards

Sean Strickland believes that he may have a chance to fight Israel Adesanya in the near future, but he must first defeat Abus Magomedov.

The two fighters will meet on July 1 at the UFC Apex for a UFC Fight Night main event.

While Strickland has never faced the middleweight champion Adesanya (23-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC), he feels that a victory over Magomedov (25-4-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) could put him in contention for the title.

“If this fight goes my way, it 100 percent should be in the cards,” said Strickland in an interview with My MMA News. “I f*cking had a close decision with f*cking – what the f*ck was that guy’s name? Jared Cannonier, you knocked some brain cells out of me. Solid guy. Thought I won on the scorecards, but it is what it is. I truly believe I should be the one fighting Izzy, but I lost fair and square. I’ll pay my tenants. I’ll get some Ws, but yeah, that one needs to happen.”

Although Strickland was surprised to be matched up against Magomedov, given Magomedov's only one Octagon win, no other top contender was willing to face him. Strickland hopes to make a convincing case for a shot at the title with a win.

Adesanya has set his sights on defending his title at UFC 293 on September 10 in Sydney. However, Strickland hopes to stake his claim at the No. 1 contender spot on July 1 when he faces Magomedov.