After initially showing class after his defeat at UFC 297, former middleweight champ Sean Strickland is now claiming that he’s the real winner. In line with this, the fighter blamed the cut he received from an alleged headbutt for losing the belt.
Strickland lost his title to new middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis via split decision last weekend. It was a close fight, with some fans and personalities in the MMA world questioning the decision. Some include CEO Dana White, who said he thought Strickland won the match, alongside Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan, who also voiced the same view.
After his loss, “Tarzan” immediately posted a message to fans, seemingly expressing acceptance, saying “that’s life.” However, the former champ immediately had a change of heart by doubling down on his headbutt claims, which caused him to experience visual difficulties while in the octagon. In line with this, the 32-year-old contradicted the judges’ scores, claiming he was still the victor of the division.
“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.”
“Stillknocks” already dismissed the claims during his post-fight interview, but after seeing the rival intensifying the allegations, the South African only has a simple response:
“Why don’t you cry about it… AGAIN,” du Plessis replied, referring to the former champ’s emotional interview about his childhood trauma.
