In the aftermath of UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, Sean Strickland (28-6 MMA) had a showdown with Dricus Du Plessis (21-2 MMA) in the main event middleweight title clash. The outcome, a split decision win for Du Plessis, catapulted the 30-year-old to the coveted position of the new UFC middleweight champion.
Du Plessis, who secured his first title defense after triumphing over Israel Adesanya (24-3 MMA) at UFC 293 in September last year, entered the bout with an impressive Octagon record of eight consecutive wins. Now, with the victory over Strickland, he has extended that streak to a formidable nine.
Sean Strickland Addresses Controversial Decision at UFC 297
Following the intense encounter, Strickland took to Instagram, sharing a brief video clip of the fight and a snapshot featuring his patched-up eye. In his accompanying remarks, he asserted, “I didn’t take the cowards way out and tell the doctor I couldn’t see and got a no contest… The only reason why you took a round from me is because I couldn’t see… I won that fight; the world knows I won that fight……. The belt they gave you will never make you a champion, enjoy… They had to stitch through muscle to get it closed. Thank you to everyone; your support has really kept my head up high through all this, grateful forever.”
Strickland’s claim of victory isn’t without support. UFC CEO Dana White also sided with him, believing he won the fight. However, the judges’ decision went in favor of Du Plessis, leading to some contentious post-match discussions.
Israel Adesanya at UFC 300?
Looking ahead, the spotlight shifts to the newly crowned champion, Dricus Du Plessis, who, speaking from the Octagon, had a message for Israel Adesanya: “There was another guy who tried to take my shine. He lost his shine, now I have your shine. He didn’t get into the cage tonight, but Israel Adesanya, get your ass back in the cage so we can settle the score.”
It’s evident that Strickland’s disappointment and determination to contest the decision linger, despite Du Plessis’ triumph and call-out to Adesanya. The contentious nature of the split decision adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative in the middleweight division.
What do you make of Sean Strickland’s comments? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
