ROBBERY OR RIGHTFUL CHAMP The Du Plessis vs. Strickland War Shakes the MMA World
From the opening bell, Sean Strickland established his signature jab, repeatedly snapping Dricus du Plessis’ head back. Strickland’s laser-precise striking caused early swelling around Du Plessis’ left eye, raising concerns about how long the South African could withstand the punishment.
However, Du Plessis wasn’t just standing still—he mixed in calf kicks and feints, looking for ways to close the distance. Still, Round 1 belonged to Strickland, who dictated the pace and made his presence known.
Rounds 2 & 3: The Battle Heats Up
By Round 2, Du Plessis shifted gears. His explosive, unpredictable style started paying dividends as he pressed forward, forcing Strickland onto his back foot. Du Plessis landed a mix of hooks, body shots, and well-timed kicks, keeping Strickland from settling into a rhythm.
In Round 3, the intensity peaked. Strickland returned to his jab-first strategy, but Du Plessis ramped up his aggression, landing powerful counter-strikes that began to slow Strickland down. These middle rounds were razor-close, making it impossible to call a clear winner.
Round 4: Du Plessis Turns the Tide
This was the moment where Du Plessis showed his championship mettle. He connected with heavy right hands, opening a cut under Strickland’s left eye. The South African’s high-pressure style forced Strickland into survival mode as Du Plessis controlled the octagon and kept the pressure on.
The crowd roared as Du Plessis outworked Strickland in volume and aggression, leaving no doubt that Round 4 was his best round of the fight.
Round 5: Strickland’s Late Surge
With the fight possibly tied at 2-2, Strickland came out aggressive in the final round. He sharpened his combinations and landed a series of stiff jabs, reasserting his dominance in the striking exchanges.
But Du Plessis refused to back down. He met Strickland’s fire with fire, landing huge overhands and well-placed kicks to keep the round competitive. In the end, the judges had the impossible task of deciding a winner in this high-stakes chess match.
Judges’ Scorecards Spark Controversy
The fight went to the scorecards—a split decision victory for Dricus du Plessis. The official scores: 48-47 Du Plessis, 47-48 Strickland, 48-47 Du Plessis.
Instantly, MMA Twitter erupted with debates. Some fans claimed Strickland had done enough with his jab and control, while others believed Du Plessis’ power, pressure, and damage secured the victory.
MMA legend Chael Sonnen even argued that Du Plessis won every round, though many fans disagreed.
What’s Next for Du Plessis & Strickland?
With Du Plessis now the middleweight champion, all eyes turn to potential challengers. Will a rematch with Strickland be next, or will another top contender like Israel Adesanya get the next shot?
For Strickland, this loss stings, but his warrior mentality guarantees he’ll be back stronger. The question remains—who really schooled who?
The Aftermath: A Rivalry Just Beginning?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear—Du Plessis vs. Strickland was just the beginning. With tensions high and fans split, a rematch feels inevitable. Will Strickland reclaim his throne, or will Du Plessis prove he’s the undisputed king? The middleweight division just got a whole lot more exciting!
