“They robbed him” – Dana White echoes fans’ opinion disputing UFC scorecards awarding Dricus du Plessis final round at UFC 297

Dana White shares his perspective on UFC 297's main event, highlighting the closely contested middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.

“They robbed him” – Dana White echoes fans’ opinion disputing UFC scorecards awarding Dricus du Plessis final round at UFC 297

Dana White thought Sean Strickland defeated Dricus Du Plessis (Image via: IMAGO, X)

Dricus Du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 297. He thereby became the first South African UFC champion. The decision was not without controversy as many felt Strickland did enough to win the fight 3 rounds to 2. UFC CEO Dana White provided how he scored the fight.

In the post-fight press conference of UFC 297, media members asked White how he scored the middleweight title fight. This is what White replied.

It's funny, I was just looking at how the media had scored it, and right down the middle, I had it two to two going into the last round. I thought Strickland won the last round. Guys sitting at the same table had it the other way, and you know, it was a close fight.
Dana White at the UFC 297 post fight press conference
YouTube video

Even though White thought Sean Strickland won, he did not believe in an immediate rematch. Moreover, he was noncommital about a potential Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya. Nonetheless, White appreciated the popularity of Strickland in Canada. The fans in Canada were behind Strickland but Du Plessis garnered support as the fight went on.

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UFC 297 also had a vacant women’s bantamweight title fight between Mayra Bueno Silva and Raquel Pennington. Pennington won the fight via unanimous decision. Dana White appreciated Pennington for the victory even though he remarked that Pennington did not listen to her corner.

Related: “Would rather go through covid again” – UFC 297 Women’s title fight ends up as snooze fest leaving fans furious

The MMA community reacts to the controversial decision at UFC 297 main event

The MMA community echoed Dana White’s sentiments about the judge’s decision in the main event of UFC 297. Two judges had it 3-2 for Du Plessis whilst the other judge had the same scorecard, but for Strickland.

Dana White thought Sean Strickland defeated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297
Dana White thought Sean Strickland defeated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 (Image via IMAGO, X)

See how the MMA community reacted to the judge’s decision on social media below.

https://twitter.com/MmaUnderdogs/status/1748959208026878063

With the victory, Dricus Du Plessis has blockbuster fights lined up. Dana White clarified that he will announce the next middleweight title fight after Tuesday. Khamzat Chimaev and Israel Adesanya are potential opponents for Du Plessis. Alex Pereira at Light Heavyweight is also a wildcard option.

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