Sean Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick, believes in his initial assessment that his fighter won the majority of the rounds at UFC 297. Nonetheless, the Xtreme Couture head coach praised Dricus Du Plessis for his victory, saying he’ll reevaluate the fight “to see where we/I can be better.”
Du Plessis managed to snatch the belt from Strickland last weekend in a close fight, where he won via split decision. Strickland is not entirely happy with the result, blaming the alleged headbutt that gave him the visual difficulty in the bout, saying “the world knows” he won the fight.
Nicksick has the same view about the decision in his own analysis but chooses to be classy in taking the matter. In his recent Instagram post, the coach shared his praise for the new champ and his team.
Congratulations to @dricusduplessis and his team. I never met a more classy opposing fighter during fight week, along with the skills to back it up. I’m happy for you, your team, and your country, you made them proud.
The fight was close. Close fights mean we needed to win the optics battle. Live, I had us winning 1,2, & 5, but all that matters are the 3 cage side. I’ll watch it again, to see where we/I can be better. Much love to everyone who supported us. On to the next!! #TTD
Du Plessis responded to the message with some positive words by commending Nicksick’s work and his team.
“Thank you so much for the kind words coach, you and the team are incredible and it was an honour to battle the best in the business. Thank you for the war and the true warrior like respect before and after the war.”
As Nicksick noted, he would take another look at the fight to ensure his fighter’s next fight would be a success. However, it is unknown when the two fighters will meet again, especially now that UFC CEO Dana White himself revealed that the company is not considering an immediate rematch between the two at the current time. Also, other fighters in the division, such as Khamzat Chimaev, are now eyeing the new champ, who, on the other hand, wants to fight Israel Adesanya next.
