Tag: Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland Shows Off Nasty Eye Injury, Disputes Split-Decision Loss at UFC 297: We All Know I Won’

Sean StricklandSean Strickland remains adamant that an illegal headbutt is what changed the trajectory of his UFC 297 title tilt…

Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland remains adamant that an illegal headbutt is what changed the trajectory of his UFC 297 title tilt with Dricus Du Plessis.

After 25 minutes of entertaining action, Strickland came up short on two of the three scorecards, surrendering his middleweight title four months after his shocking upset of Israel Adesanya in September. Like the judges, practically everyone who watched the fight was split on the outcome, including UFC CEO Dana White and Joe Rogan who both suggested that Strickland had done enough to leave Toronto with his title intact.

The stats certainly make a case for Strickland as he outlanded Du Plessis 183 to 140 in significant strikes. Those who agreed with the decision cited the six takedowns from ‘Stillknocks’ as being the difference-maker, but ‘DDP’ was only able to muster up two minutes of control time and zero strikes on the ground.

Does Sean Strickland Have a Legitimate Case For an immediate rematch?

However, if that’s not convincing enough, perhaps an illegal headbutt will have you rethinking the outcome. Taking to social media, ‘Tarzan’ showed off a nasty cut he sustained in the main event. He also presented some pretty compelling evidence to suggest that the course-changing injury came as the result of a clash of heads against the fence.

“We all know I won,” Strickland wrote on X. “The only reason why it wasn’t one sided for 5 rounds is the headbutt took my eye….. Wasn’t touched till the blood took my vision..”

Strickland has an undeniably strong case for an immediate rematch. Unfortunately, it looks as though the UFC will be looking to book Israel Adesanya for Du Plessis’ first defense.

“I’m really enjoying this,” Du Plessis said when asked how winning the championship felt in a post-fight interview. “I would love… There’s another guy who tried to take my shine. He lost his shine. Now I have your shine. Didn’t get into the cage tonight, but Israel Adesanya, get your ass back to the UFC so we could settle the score.

The Drake Curse Strikes Again! Grammy Award-Winning Rapper Loses $700,000 Betting on UFC 297 Headliner

The Drake CurseMMA’s infamous ‘Drake Curse‘ has struck again. With UFC 297 emanating from his hometown of Toronto, Canada, it’s no…

The Drake Curse

MMA’s infamous ‘Drake Curse‘ has struck again.

With UFC 297 emanating from his hometown of Toronto, Canada, it’s no surprise that the Grammy Award winner dropped another massive bet on the night’s biggest fight. Via his social media channels, Drake revealed that he threw down $700k on defending champion Sean Strickland to leave The Great White North with his title intact.

After 25 entertaining minutes of action, Dricus Du Plessis was announced as the winner via split decision, marking another massive loss for Drake. Of course, it hasn’t been all bad for the singer/songwriter. ‘Drizzy’ made a whopping $1.38 million after wagering $1 million on Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis to defeat Ryan Garcia last year. He also scored over $2.7 million in winnings after betting that Adesanya would not only avenge his UFC 281 loss to Pereira but that he would get it done by knockout in their UFC 287 rematch.

However, he lost $500k betting on Israel Adesanya to KO Sean Strickland during their UFC 293 clash in September. Still, by our calculations, Drake is playing with house money.

As for the new UFC middleweight world champion, Dricus Du Plessis has a plethora of options for his first title defense. The likeliest scenario has him squaring off with Israel Adesanya following the pair’s heated face-to-face encounter inside the Octagon in July. Khamzat Chimaev is another possibility, but UFC CEO Dana White seemingly ruled out the notion of an immediate rematch between ‘DDP’ and Strickland even though he felt Strickland did enough to walk away the winner on Saturday night.

Photo – Dricus Du Plessis treats himself to beer and croissants After stunning UFC 297 title victory

Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297After capturing middleweight gold at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis was completely overcome with joy. It had been a…

Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297

After capturing middleweight gold at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis was completely overcome with joy. It had been a long road for the man, and the world saw before their eyes somebody who had just accomplished a long-awaited goal.

For Du Plessis, much can be said about the pressure he exerted upon Strickland during the fight. He also came into the match with a chip on his shoulder, as fans and media claimed Du Plessis’ cardio couldn’t last into the championship rounds. Not only did ‘Stillknocks’ prove them wrong, but he and Strickland put on a show for the fans while doing it.

Now 8-0 in the UFC, Dricus Du Plessis seemingly has his pick of the litter. On the microphone during his post-fight interview, he called out the former champion Israel Adesanya. However, many notable fighters such as Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa are chomping at the bit for a title fight with him as well.

Dricus Du Plessis celebrates his victory in style While the World Wonders: Who’s Next?

After the battle, Dricus Du Plessis seemed to have a hankering for some beer and croissants. He seemed to have gotten what he wanted and posted a photo to Instagram to let fans across the world see him celebrate his success with a literal breakfast of champions.

“This is Africa,” the newly crowned champion wrote. “We fear nothing, and certainly no one!! Thank you, South Africa. It’s an honor representing our beautiful nation.”

While the post may have served as heartwarming content, It still doesn’t decide the future, and many fans seem conflicted about what opponent could make for a compelling fight. Du Plessis said himself during his post-fight interview that he wanted Adesanya next, but that’s certainly not set in stone.

A fight with Khamzat Chimaev would certainly generate an absurd amount of hype, but many fans also believe the young Chechen-born Swede is simply not ready for a title fight yet. Costa is throwing his name in the mix, but he sadly has more fight cancellations than actual fights these last few years.

A Sean Strickland rematch is also a possibility, but then again, many saw the fight as a convincing victory for Du Plessis and don’t feel like Strickland has much to offer in a potential rematch.

Who do you think Dricus Du Plessis will defend his title against?

Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland’s title fight defeat at UFC 297: ‘What a title reign though?’

Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland after UFC 297 title loss what a title reign thoughFailing to attend the festivities at the Scotiabank Arena in Canada over the weekend, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel…

Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland after UFC 297 title loss what a title reign though

Failing to attend the festivities at the Scotiabank Arena in Canada over the weekend, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya was not shy in his mocking on past rival, Sean Strickland’s championship loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 – with his friends scoffing at the Claifornian’s short-lived title run.

Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight titleholder, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 293 back in September of last year against Strickland, suffering a stunning unanimous decision loss to the now-former champion, which included a massive knockdown early in the fight.

And linked with a comeback fight against a slew of opponents in a hasty return at UFC 300 in April, City Kickboxing staple, Adesanya received a call out from newly-crowned gold holder, du Plessis in the immediate aftermath of UFC 297 – in a bid to settle their differences inside the Octatgon

Sharing his live reaction to Strickland’s loss to du Plessis, Adesanya watched with friends of his gathered on his sofa – and was sent into hysterics after a certain viewer scoffed at Strickland’s short-lived championship run.

And welcoming the possibility of a championship return against South African rival, du Plessis next, Nigerian-Kiwi striker, Adesanya claimed the pair’s paths are “destined” to cross once again. 

Israel Adesanya eyes Dricus du Plessis showdown

“IS~RA~EL ADESANYA,” Israel Adesanya posted on his official X account. “This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching. We Write History.” 

Sharing his thoughts on his defeat, Strickland credited du Plessis for his title ascension, however, pointed to an apparent fight-altering clash of heads late in the bout – which appeared to open a massive laceration around the defending champion’s left eye. 

Who wins in a future title fight: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland’s title fight defeat at UFC 297: ‘What a title reign though?’

Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland after UFC 297 title loss what a title reign thoughFailing to attend the festivities at the Scotiabank Arena in Canada over the weekend, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel…

Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland after UFC 297 title loss what a title reign though

Failing to attend the festivities at the Scotiabank Arena in Canada over the weekend, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya was not shy in his mocking on past rival, Sean Strickland’s championship loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 – with his friends scoffing at the Claifornian’s short-lived title run.

Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight titleholder, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 293 back in September of last year against Strickland, suffering a stunning unanimous decision loss to the now-former champion, which included a massive knockdown early in the fight.

And linked with a comeback fight against a slew of opponents in a hasty return at UFC 300 in April, City Kickboxing staple, Adesanya received a call out from newly-crowned gold holder, du Plessis in the immediate aftermath of UFC 297 – in a bid to settle their differences inside the Octatgon

Sharing his live reaction to Strickland’s loss to du Plessis, Adesanya watched with friends of his gathered on his sofa – and was sent into hysterics after a certain viewer scoffed at Strickland’s short-lived championship run.

And welcoming the possibility of a championship return against South African rival, du Plessis next, Nigerian-Kiwi striker, Adesanya claimed the pair’s paths are “destined” to cross once again. 

Israel Adesanya eyes Dricus du Plessis showdown

“IS~RA~EL ADESANYA,” Israel Adesanya posted on his official X account. “This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching. We Write History.” 

Sharing his thoughts on his defeat, Strickland credited du Plessis for his title ascension, however, pointed to an apparent fight-altering clash of heads late in the bout – which appeared to open a massive laceration around the defending champion’s left eye. 

Who wins in a future title fight: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Ian Garry Reacts to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC 297 Title Clash: ‘I’m Watching Two Amateurs Fight’

Ian Garry reacts to Sean Strickland vs. DDP at UFC 297Welterweight standout Ian Garry was not impressed with the performances of Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC…

Ian Garry reacts to Sean Strickland vs. DDP at UFC 297

Welterweight standout Ian Garry was not impressed with the performances of Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297.

After five entertaining rounds of action, Du Plessis emerged victorious, scoring a closely contested split decision to claim his first UFC championship. While most of the MMA community was busy debating who deserved to leave Scotiabank Arena with the middleweight title around their waist, ‘The Future’ chose to display his disfavor for the promotion’s first pay-per-view headliner of 2024.

In a video posted to Garry’s social media, the fast-rising contender was unamused, going so far as to call Strickland and Du Plessis a couple of amateurs as they proceeded to slug it out during the latter half of their 25-minute affair.

“The f*cking state of this,” Garry commented while watching the title bout play out. “Zero technique. Just slugging it out now. Oh my god, I’m watching two amateurs fight. Oh my god. My dear Jesus Christ, if I ever have a fight like that, please tell me to retire.”

Of course, there is no love lost between Ian Garry and Sean Strickland after ‘Tarzan’ attacked Garry’s relationship with his wife, 40-year-old TV personality Layla Anna-Lee. Strickland labeled her a “succubus” and a “predator” in a series of scathing rants that has ‘The Future’ plotting a potential showdown with Strickland inside the Octagon.

“F*ck you, Sean Strickland,” Garry said following Bruce Buffer’s announcement that Du Plessis was the new middleweight champ. “Now that fight’s even more available.”