Sean Strickland set to challenge for UFC middleweight title in Sydney
The main event for UFC's return to Australia next year have been announced, with Sean Strickland set to challenge Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title.
The polarising American shocked the world last year in Sydney, defeating the legendary Israel Adesanya to capture the gold for the first time in his career.
Strickland's reign atop the 185-pound division was short-lived however, dropping the belt to du Plessis earlier this year.
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However, after a win against Paulo Costa in June and the devastating loss for Robert Whittaker in October has put Strickland right back in the frame for a title opportunity.
Du Plessis (22-2) hasn't lost since joining the UFC in 2020 and is ranked as the sixth best pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion.
Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis in their first fight. Getty
The company announced the rematch for UFC 312 at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday (AEDT), as well as locking in the co-main event for the show as Zhang Weili is booked to defend her women's strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez.
At this stage, there have been no Aussies announced for the card, but there have been plenty of rumours that Jack Della Maddalena will face Kamaru Usman.
The announcement of the main event bouts puts an end to Alexander Volkanovski's chances of competing in his home city, with the former featherweight champ eyeing off a rematch against Ilia Topuria mid-way through next year.
