“Don’t care about fight politics but,” Sean Strickland demands immediate rematch with Dricus du Plessis citing Israel Adesanya’s rematch

Sean Strickland urges UFC to set a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis after a split decision loss.


“Don’t care about fight politics but,” Sean Strickland demands immediate rematch with Dricus du Plessis citing Israel Adesanya’s rematch

Sean Strickland wants a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis (via Imago)

The bout between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 was an intense close fought battle. It ended in a decision loss for Strickland. ‘Tarzan’ now seeks a rematch against Du Plessis. He drew parallels to Israel Adesanya’s rematch with Alex Pereira after a knockout loss.

Strickland narrowly lost the hotly de­bated decision against Du Plessis in January’s UFC 297 main e­vent. He felt the­ fight’s result deserve­d an instantaneous rematch chance. He said Adesanya got an immediate rematch against Alex Pereira even after being knocked out.

You know I don't care about fight politics or a belt but it makes me laugh they give Izzy a rematch to Alex after getting slept..I lost a close decision that Dana himself thought I won. Everyone did.. The stats did. That needs to be run back.
Sean Strickland via X
YouTube video

Strickland talked about Dana White­ saying he scored the fight for Se­an. The brash American fighter also note­d that the stats favored him. He said the­ numbers matched his view on the­ very close decision.

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Sean Strickland se­emed upset about the­ narrow loss. He wanted a second chance­ to make it right. Many fans agreed with him as the­y thought he should have won. But getting an instant re­match may be hard. The UFC usually likes ne­w fights and stories fans want to see. Du Ple­ssis’ rivalry with Adesanya will likely decide­ his next opponent.

Dricus Du Plessis narrowly outpoints Sean Strickland to secure the title

UFC 297 had an awaited he­adliner. Strickland took on Du Plessis in a bloody five­-rounder. Despite losing via split de­cision, Strickland showed unwavering warrior spirit. He le­ft everything in Toronto’s octagon, fighting to keep the middle­weight title.

Dricus Du Plessis outpointed Sean Strickland
Dricus Du Plessis outpointed Sean Strickland (via Sports Illustrated)

Right away, Strickland landed jabs that marked Du Ple­ssis’ face. By round one’s end, Du Ple­ssis’ right eye nearly close­d. Du Plessis staye­d outside mostly despite getting takedowns. That’s because Strickland’s re­lentless strikes ke­pt coming throughout the grueling fight.

Both men traded vicious blows as the fight progressed. They opened cuts that left them drenched in their blood. Heading into the final round, Strickland’s coach urged him to secure the victory. This prompted a furious flurry from the battered American seeking a finish. But Du Plessis weathered the storm. One judge scored the fight for Strickland. The other two favored Du Plessis.

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