Sean Strickland is no longer UFC’s middleweight champion after Dricus Du Plessis beat him via split decision this weekend. Yet, despite some fans (and even CEO Dana White) believing he’s the one who won, the fighter chose to move on.
This weekend’s event was a thrill for MMA fans after the UFC 297 brought new champs for the promotion. That includes Dricus Du Plessis, who managed to snatch the belt from Strickland in a close fight. The decision ended with one of the judges disagreeing with the two who favored the new champ, giving the score of 47-48, 48-47, and 48-47. Some believed Strickland should still be the victor, and even White took the side of the former champ. Yet, “Tarzan” appears to be respecting the judge’s decision.
In the fight, the American fighter encountered a cut that impaired his vision. Given Strickland’s character and the judge’s split decision, one would think Strickland would use this to lambast his opponent and his victory. Yet, in a very unusual case, the 32-year-old chose to be classy and conceded his defeat. Ultimately, the fighter appears to be positive, expressing excitement about what the future has for him in the promotion.
“Big thanks to everyone who supported me!!!!!!!!!” Strickland wrote on Instagram. “Took a headbutt that split open my eye, took a couple rounds to adjust to the blood running in my eyes…. Sucks to lose that way but this is the game! I thought I won even not being able to see out of my left eye but that’s life! Onto the next! Told you I’d bleed for you!!!!!!”
