For years, Whittaker (26-9 MMA, 17-7 UFC) and Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) have been at the top of the UFC middleweight class. They have both been champions and been close to winning the title, but now one side thinks it's time to fight. "I want to fight in Sydney in February. Whittaker said on his "MMArcade Podcast" with co-host Jonny Roses, "That's when I'd like to fight next." "I want to fight Strickland." I've wanted that fight for a long time. I believe that would be a fantastic fight. He always gets others to play cards. I don't think he'll make it all the way to Australia. But let's wait and see what occurs. Whittaker is ranked No. 7 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings. He has lost two fights in a row, first to Reinier de Ridder and then to Khamzat Chimaev. Recently, the 34-year-old said that his career is coming to an end and that his hopes of winning a title have become "kind of a pipe dream." Strickland's callout to No. 4 shows that he's at least looking up, but it's still unclear when the controversial former champion will return to the octagon. Strickland, who is 34 years old, hasn't fought since February, when he lost a unanimous decision to Dricus Du Plessis in their UFC 312 rematch. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has suspended him for going into the cage during a regional event and fighting another athlete. If he follows the rules of his suspension, he can come back in 2025.