“Optically, DDP looked better,” Best non-UFC middleweight fighter downplays notion that Sean Strickland was ‘robbed’ at UFC 297

Johnny Eblen breaks down UFC 297's main event, analyzing Sean Strickland's performance and Dricus Du Plessis's victory through optics and damage, amidst mixed reactions and calls for a rematch.

“Optically, DDP looked better,” Best non-UFC middleweight fighter downplays notion that Sean Strickland was ‘robbed’ at UFC 297

Dricus Du Plessis earns a split decision win over Sean Strickland in UFC 297 (The Citizen)

UFC 297 crowned Dricus Du Plessis as the first South African UFC champion. Dricus Du Plessis won the title from Sean Strickland via split decision. The fight was extremely close as UFC CEO Dana White thought Strickland won, whereas commentators said otherwise. Nonetheless, Sean Strickland and his fans believe that the judges got it wrong at UFC 297. The MMA fans even made commentator Jon Anik contemplate retirement due to the criticism. Johnny Eblen became the latest to give his take on the scoring.

Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen has provided his take on the controversy. Eblen is undefeated in MMA and is a training partner of Strickland. CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri recently interviewed Eblen. During the interview, Mahjouri asked Eblen for his take on the fight. This is what he said.

This was a close fight. I think Sean did more damage in the fight and won rounds one, two, and five. However, optically, DDP looked better in rounds two, three, and four because he was moving forward more. I think DDP won rounds three and four, but round two is really where it comes down to.
Johnny Eblen via CBS Sports
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Johnny Eblen is against the notion that the split decision victory for Du Plessis was a robbery. However, he thought Strickland won 3 rounds in the fight, but he understood why the judges went the other way. Eblen even compared the fight to Strickland’s previous fight with Jared Cannonier. The fight with Cannonier resulted in a split decision loss to Strickland. Eblen stated that Strickland lost the fight to Cannonier purely due to optics.

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Johnny Eblen will fight PFL light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay at the PFL vs Bellator card in Saudi Arabia. In his latest fight, Eblen defeated Fabian Edwards, the younger brother of UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

Related: “I respect Dana and Hunter,” Gay UFC champion defends Dana White and the UFC from media criticism of Sean Strickland’s LGBTQ remarks

Johnny Eblen the UFC blames the promotion for Dustin Poirier drama

Dustin Poirier recently shook the MMA community with his social media tweet. Poirier tweeted that his fight with Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 was off. He went on to reveal that a deal was never in place the first time. Nonetheless, Poirier would later clarify that it was a misunderstanding on his part.

Dustin Poirier revealed not signing contract against Benoit Saint-Denis initially Johnny Eblen
Dustin Poirier revealed not signing contract against Benoit Saint-Denis initially (via Imago/Instagram)

Undefeated middleweight and training partner of Poirier, Johnny Eblen, provided his take on the matter. Eblen’s interview came before Poirier clarified the misunderstanding. In the interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, Eblen blasted the UFC for their manipulative business practice. Eblen did not like the idea of the promotion announcing fights without due process.

Johnny Eblen stated the remuneration was the reason for Poirier’s initially calling the fight off. He also stated that Poirier is at a place where he doesn’t have to fight without proper remuneration. Eblen also stated that he would not fight if the promotion lowered his salary for any reason.

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