In the ever evolving world of mixed martial arts, every fighter dreams of holding UFC gold, and Sean Strickland is no exception. After suffering a controversial split decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis in the UFC 297 headliner, Strickland is determined to reclaim his middleweight throne. The heated debate surrounding the outcome of their bout has ignited Strickland’s desire for redemption, leading him to publicly advocate for an immediate rematch with Du Plessis.
Before delving into Strickland’s campaign for a rematch, it’s essential to understand the backstory of these two fighters. Sean Strickland, a seasoned UFC veteran with an impressive record of 28 wins and 6 losses, has earned a reputation for his gritty fighting style and relentless determination inside the Octagon. Hailing from Riverside, California, Strickland has faced a slew of top-tier competition throughout his career, cementing his status as one of the most formidable contenders in the middleweight division.
On the other hand, Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis, a rising star hailing from South Africa, burst onto the UFC scene with an undefeated record and a penchant for delivering highlight-reel knockouts. With a flawless 7-0 record in the UFC, including a thrilling victory over previous Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker, Du Plessis has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
The stage was set for a monumental showdown when Strickland and Du Plessis collided in the Octagon at UFC 297. The highly anticipated headliner promised fireworks, with both fighters vying for middleweight supremacy. However, the bout ended in controversy as the judges awarded Du Plessis a contentious split decision victory, much to the dismay of Strickland and many fans alike. Many thought DDP won and many thought Sean won, that is how it goes during a close contest.
You know I don't care about fight politics or a belt but it makes me laugh they give izzy a rematch to alex after getting slept..
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 13, 2024
I lost a close decision that dana himself thought I won. Everyone did.. The stats did.
That needs to be run back..
“You know I don’t care about fight politics or a belt, but it makes me laugh they give Izzy a rematch to Alex after getting slept.. I lost a close decision that Dana himself thought I won. Everyone did.. The stats did. That needs to be run back,” Strickland asserted on social media, echoing the sentiments of many fans who felt he was unjustly denied victory.
Despite Strickland’s impassioned plea for a rematch, the UFC’s intentions seem to lean in a different direction. Speculation arose when the promotion attempted to book Du Plessis against former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya for the UFC 300 main event in April. Although the matchup didn’t come to fruition, it signaled the UFC’s inclination towards booking Du Plessis in a high-profile title bout, potentially sidelining Strickland’s hopes for an immediate rematch.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits the UFC’s decision regarding the middleweight title picture, Strickland remains steadfast in his pursuit of redemption. With his unwavering determination and undeniable talent, Strickland is poised to overcome adversity and reclaim his spot at the pinnacle of the middleweight division. Whether the UFC grants his wish for a rematch with Du Plessis remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Sean Strickland’s quest for redemption is far from over.
