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Just about a week ago (Jan. 20, 2024), Dricus Du Plessis dethroned Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297. The victory sent the title home with him to South Africa and stands out as the most important of his career, but it wasn’t without controversy.
Plain and simple, Du Plessis vs. Strickland was a close fight. Strickland’s jab was the most effective strike of the fight, but he didn’t throw much else, whereas Du Plessis unloaded the entire arsenal at his opponent. He also pressured Strickland throughout and landed a healthy handful of takedowns, but ultimately, both men were bloodied and worn by the end of 25 minutes. Two of the three judges awarded Du Plessis the decision victory, but it was close enough to argue for either man.
It’s hardly the first time a title has changed hands via split-decision, and even with a possible clash of heads in the mix, it doesn’t feel like it should be such a dramatic scene. Yet, the online MMA sphere is more toxic than ever, and the decision is at the heart of the outrage.
Maybe there shouldn’t be any controversy at all? Du Plessis revealed on the SuperSport Unplugged podcast that Strickland admitted defeat to him in the cage privately and outright.
“He came to me in the cage, and I think this is the first time publicly I’ll say this, he came to me in the cage,” Dricus explained. “Right before they announced me as the new champion. I went to him and I shook his hand, and I said, ‘You’re a warrior, well done, it was a great fight.’
“And he said, ‘No, you definitely beat me.’ He said to me, ‘You deserve it, you won that fight, you beat me.’ I also think so!”
There’s been no audio of this alleged admission released as of yet. From his immediate post-fight interview until now, however, Strickland has been consistent in arguing he deserved the win. Maybe those public statements will help him secure a rematch someday in the future?
Insomnia
Jared Cannonier needs that knee to heal up quick, lest he become the forgotten Middleweight contender. “Killa Gorilla” vs. “Stillknocks” sounds fun!
Just spoke to Jared Cannonier who says recovery on his MCL injury is going well and could be ready to fight at #UFC300
If a title shot against Dricus Du Plessis isn’t next, he’s says Khamzat Chimaev would be the best option
Interview coming to @InsideFighting_ shortly pic.twitter.com/hxFsplvHO9
— James Lynch (@LynchOnSports) January 26, 2024
A look into Benoit Saint-Denis’ strength and conditioning routine:
It’s only bad form if it doesn’t work.
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Legalize knees to grounded opponents! In the interim, CSAC is potentially taking a big step forward.
What constitutes a grounded opponent has been a hot topic this week.
Well, Andy Foster, who is the current executive director of the California State Athletic Commission and the chairman of the rules committee for Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Mixed… pic.twitter.com/W6qOp1nBEl
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 26, 2024
Khalil Rountree getting some technical sparring in Thailand:
Conor McGregor flies around the globe and finds himself in odd situations.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Body kick to set up the high kick, a story as old as time!
A lead leg high kick ends the fight suddenly.
Nine times out of ten, falling off the back mount and trying to catch an arm is a bad move. Here’s the one!
Random Land
Whiplash.
Midnight Music: Noise rock, 2023
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
