In a thrilling display of skill and determination at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis emerged victorious, claiming the middleweight belt in a hard-fought split decision over Sean Strickland. Du Plessis, with a nearly swollen shut left eye, defied the odds and etched his name in UFC history as the first South African champion.
The opening rounds saw Strickland’s control with a formidable jab, but Du Plessis showcased resilience, breaking through the defense and making a clear statement. The second round marked the onset of visible damage, with Du Plessis’ swollen eye and Strickland’s bloodied face. Despite the setbacks, Du Plessis persisted in breaking through Strickland’s jab.
In the pivotal third round, Du Plessis answered his corner’s call for urgency, securing the round and setting the stage for a turning point in the fourth. A decisive elbow from Du Plessis opened a significant gash on Strickland’s face, solidifying his dominance. The round concluded with Du Plessis executing three impactful takedowns.
As the fight entered the fifth round, Du Plessis maintained momentum, but Strickland displayed resilience, connecting with combinations in the final minute. The judges’ decision favored Du Plessis, sealing a victory in a match marked by bad blood from their previous encounter at UFC 296.
After 5 rounds @DricusDuPlessis gets the split decision and is YOUR NEW middleweight champion 🏆#UFC297 pic.twitter.com/xyR1Bsn2Fa
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
Du Plessis, proud of his championship rounds performance, reflected on his journey and expressed confidence in his five-round capabilities. The post-fight moment captured both fighters embracing, signaling the end of a fierce battle.
Looking forward, Du Plessis contemplates potential challengers. While Strickland eyes a rematch, Du Plessis boldly calls out former champion Israel Adesanya, emphasizing a desire to settle the score. The dynamic Khamzat Chimaev looms as an intriguing option, expressing interest in a potential appearance at UFC 300.
The disappointment for Strickland, following his career-making upset of Adesanya, opens the door to various possibilities for the UFC middleweight division. As Du Plessis cements his status as champion, the narrative of his rise and the anticipation of future matchups add an exciting chapter to the UFC’s storied history.
KAIRA’S VIEW
In a gritty and intense battle at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis secured the middleweight belt in a split decision over Sean Strickland, despite enduring a nearly swollen shut left eye. Du Plessis, the first South African champion in UFC history, displayed remarkable resilience throughout the fight, breaking through Strickland’s formidable jab and delivering a pivotal elbow in the fourth round that opened a significant cut on Strickland’s face. The fight, marred by bad blood from their previous encounter, concluded with both fighters embracing as the final bell sounded. Du Plessis, who had never reached the championship rounds before, expressed pride in his five-round performance, highlighting his growth as a fighter. Looking ahead, potential matchups with Strickland seeking a rematch and a bold callout to Israel Adesanya add intrigue to Du Plessis’ championship journey. The UFC middleweight division, with options like the mercurial Khamzat Chimaev, anticipates an exciting era under Du Plessis’ reign.
