Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has disputed his loss to Dricus du Plessis in the UFC 297 main event, arguing that an accidental headbutt that caused a severe cut over his eye affected his performance.
Sean Strickland initially congratulated Dricus du Plessis. This was after he lost a tight split decision in UFC 297’s main event. But, two days later, he’s singing a different tune.
Strickland, the ex-UFC middleweight champ, shared the aftermath of a nasty cut from the fight. He also posted a video showing an accidental headbutt that caused the gash over his eye. Throughout the fight, he was seen wiping blood from his eyelid. But, he never thought of seeking an escape route.
Strickland stood firm in his belief. He was convinced that despite the cut, he should’ve won. And he felt that du Plessis shouldn’t be celebrating as if he’s the undisputed UFC middleweight champ.
On Instagram, Strickland wrote, “I didn’t take the coward’s way out. I didn’t tell the doctor I couldn’t see and got a no-contest.” He added, “The only reason you took a round from me is because I couldn’t see. I won that fight, the world knows I won. The belt they gave you will never make you a champion, enjoy.”
Strickland also shed light on the severity of the cut. It was the one causing all the bleeding during the fight. “They had to stitch through muscle to get it closed,” he revealed.
His post also included a video. It showed du Plessis raising up during an exchange, and his head clashing with Strickland’s. A split second later, Strickland is seen wiping blood off his eye from a cut.
Despite the cut, Strickland kept pressing on. He continued to engage with du Plessis until the 25-minute fight ended. When the dust settled, two judges favored du Plessis with 48-47 scorecards. The third official gave the same 48-47 score to Strickland. But, it was enough for du Plessis to be declared the new middleweight champ.
This didn’t sit well with Strickland. Especially after realizing how much the cut over his eye affected him during the fight. Controversial or not, UFC CEO Dana White has already dismissed any talk of an immediate rematch. This means Strickland will likely have to fight his way back to another duel with du Plessis in the future.