WATCH: “I don’t mind getting beat,” Leaked footage shows Sean Strickland and team blaming Dricus Du Plessis, judges, and commentary for UFC 297 loss

Sean Strickland‘s first outing as UFC champ did not go according to plan. Strickland lost his 185lbs gold to Dricus Du Plessis in his maiden defense. Even Israel Adesnaya, the commonality between the two rivals, recently mocked his ‘zero title defense’ championship reign. The now-former UFC middleweight champion released a behind-the-scenes video this week documenting the before and after of his UFC 297 main event appearance.

The footage is from Strickland’s official YouTube channel. Concurrently, even MMA journo Nina Marie-Daniele posted the snippet on her video blog. A close acquaintance of Strickland, her vlog shows ‘Tarzan’ moments after his loss to Du Plessis, in the locker room. Here’s what the former champion had to say –

Once that eye opened up, man, I just couldn’t see s...Welcome to fighting. I feel like Chris Curtis. I’m going to start f*** calling myself Chris Curtis...This kinda sucks you know? Like...to get beat, I don't mind being beat, but fc**ing get headbutt.

Sean Strickland via his YouTube channel

This comes quite contrary to Strickland’s admission to defeat in the UFC 297 post-fight Octagon interview, according to ‘Stillknocks’. Recently, Strickland has been doubling down on his claims of a headbutt causing the title grudge match loss. Now, the footage shows Strickland and his corner sticking to the narrative, blaming Dricus Du Plessis, judges, and commentary for his loss.

UFC CEO Dana White revealed afterward that he scored the fight for Strickland. However, he nudged that the UFC does not plan to book an immediate rematch yet. While Du Plessis got the hero’s welcome on return to South Africa, Strickland’s slated future is yet uncertain.

Champion Dricus Du Plessis reveals Sean Strickland admitted defeat

South African Dricus Du Plessis edged out Sean Strickland to bag a split-decision win. After a close contest, a judge scored 48-47 for Strickland, while two others turned in 48-47 for Du Plessis. The latter thus emerged as the new middleweight champion at UFC 297’s main event.

In the aftermath, Strickland had passive-aggressively resorted to blaming his loss on a headbutt from Du Plessis. The viral but unintentional headbutt, that immediately spilled blood, had compromised his vision. And Strickland boasted upon not taking the coward’s way out.

However, here’s what the current champion has to say on the matter in a recent conversation with SuperSport –

If what Du Plessis says is true, Strickland seemed to take the loss at UFC 297 in stride but may have tuned up to try and appease the fans. Strickland is somewhat of a ‘people’s champion’ after all.

According to the management, the duo does not get to rehash it out any soon. But if their subsequent claims keep crossing paths, the clash would inevitably happen sooner than later.

In case you missed it:

• “You have a paycheck more than most” – Sean Strickland SAVAGELY responds to UFC commentator Jon Anik for making comments about toxicity of MMA fanbase
• “Why don’t you cry about it…AGAIN” – Sean Strickland eye stitches revealed with Dricus du Plessis passing sly remark of head butt

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