Dricus Du Plessis shared that former champ Sean Strickland talked to him right after their UFC 297 bout and admitted his defeat.
Du Plessis’ latest victory didn’t come without any issues, as pros and fans continue to negate the split decision win he had over Strickland. UFC CEO Dana White himself also shared his sentiment about the fight, saying he thought “Tarzan” was the one who won. Strickland also addressed the matter days after the event, disclosing that the cut he received from an alleged headbutt made it difficult for him to see in the fight. Ultimately, the 32-year-old claimed he was the one who won the match.
“I didn’t take the coward’s way out and tell the doctor I couldn’t see and got a no-contest,” Strickland wrote on Instagram, showing the stitches he received due to the cut. “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.”
Du Plessis, however, claimed that the statement was the opposite of what the rival showed after their fight ended last weekend. According to the “Stillknocks,” the former champ talked to him on two different occasions during the event to acknowledge his victory.
“I understand calling for a rematch, getting the public behind you,” Du Plessis told SuperSport. “But he came to me in the cage before they announced me as the new champion…and he said, ‘No, you definitely beat me. You deserve it, you won that fight, you beat me,'” Du Plessis said. “He knew he wasn’t winning that fight…
“Then afterwards, when were in the doctor’s rooms, he came to me and said ‘You’re a warrior. I wouldn’t want to lose to anyone else, you deserve this’.”
The reason behind Strickland’s opposing action and recent statement is unknown, but it might be a suggestion of the former champ trying to soothe fans over the result of his match. Even Jon Anik became the target of the rage, resulting in the UFC commentator considering leaving the MMA industry. In response to this, Strickland defended his fans.
“What I’d say to Jon Anik calling mma fans ‘the lowest common denominator,’” Strickland posted on X. “These people are way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most. … Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA. ….Also you guys are a bunch of savage c****. I’m here for it…..”
