The MMA world is buzzing with controversy following UFC 297, where Dricus Du Plessis became the first South African UFC champion to score a narrow and controversial victory over Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated fight marked by pre-fight tension ended in a split decision with much question as to the outcome.
The tension between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis was palpable long before they stepped foot in the octagon at UFC 297. Their rivalry, fueled by a fight at UFC 296, broadcasts the stage was set for an explosive brawl and fans were eager to see who would emerge victorious in this hostile contest, and the fight was presented in all angles.
The two fighters fought five shots. Strickland’s jab was sharp and consistent, targeting du Plessis and making his eyes swell. But du Plessis wasn’t giving up, mixing in takedowns and applying constant pressure to keep Strickland from finding his rhythm. The fight was a back-and-forth battle, with both men having moments of dominance.
Was it right?
When the final bell rang, the fight was in the hands of the judges. The score sheets were read, revealing a split decision: two judges fought for du Plessis 48-47, while one judge scored Strickland 48-47 The margin of victory was as thin as a razor, showing how competitive this fight was great.
Strickland, however, was not entirely happy with the verdict. He pointed to a sudden head bump that caused him to be cut, which he said hampered his performance for the rest of the fight by taking to Instagram to Instagram and posting a video of Strickland hitting him in the head, and in the eye a stitched up picture, who declared, I don’t do that look and I got a no-contest… I won that fight, the world knows I won that fight. The belt you were given will never be your champion, enjoy it”.
Unfazed by Strickland’s protests, du Plessis bluntly replied, “Why don’t you cry about it again?”. The feud between the two fighters only fueled the fire, as fans and analysts debated who really deserved the win
Controversy eluded even Dana White, president of the UFC. During the postfight press conference, White said that he thinks Strickland has done enough to hold onto his belt. I believed Strickland had won the last round when we were tied 2-2 heading into it. It wasn’t the same boys at the same table. According to White, the bout was tight.
Within the MMA world, White’s remarks revealed a range of viewpoints. Media observers’ opinions on the bout were nearly evenly divided, with some supporting Strickland and others du Plessis, according to MMA Decisions, a media aggregator of scores. The judges’ verdicts were supported by more substantial reasons due to the closeness of the struggle.
Du Plessis’s Triumph Obscure
Dricus du Plessis won the title belt and won UFC 297 in spite of the controversy. However, concerns over his achievement eclipsed it. Du Plessis must demonstrate his legitimacy as a champion as he gets ready for his first title defense against Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion, at UFC 305.
As Dricus Du Plessis is ready to defend his title against Israel Adesanya, all eyes are on him because the UFC 297 feud is still very much alive. To solidify his status as the greatest Indian middleweight in the world, the South African champion must dispel concerns and put on an outstanding display.
