Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis squared off in the primary occasion of UFC 297 reside on pay-per-view from Scotiabank Enviornment in Toronto, Canada on Sunday, January 21 (AEDT). The competition featured middleweight champion of the U.S. up towards No. 2-ranked contender of South Africa.
The championship bout went the complete distance. After 5 rounds of a detailed battle, one choose scored the battle 48-47 in favour of Strickland, whereas two different judges gave the identical to du Plessis.
With the victory by break up determination, Dricus du Plessis grew to become a brand new UFC middleweight champion. Along with the belt, the 30-year-old native of Hatfield, South Africa improved to 21-2 and secured his ninth win in a row.
Submit-win du Plessis referred to as out former champion Israel Adesanya. The pair was anticipated to battle final yr, however the present champion determined to not battle as a consequence of a leg harm.
“I felt three rounds was give and take,” Dricus du Plessis. “These final two rounds I do know, all people mentioned ‘when he goes move midway’… and I had some extent to show – how’s that for spherical 4 and 5? Who says this man just isn’t a five-round fighter?”
“It was one other man who tried to take my shine, he misplaced his shine. Now I’ve your shine. You didn’t get into the cage tonight. Israel Adesanya, get your ass again within the UFC so we will settle the rating.”
‘Let’s run it again’
Sean Strickland didn’t reach his first championship defence of the title that he had claimed towards Adesanya final September. Anaheim, California’s 32-year-old dropped to 28-6, which snapped his two-fight successful streak. Submit-fight he mentioned he wished a rematch.
“I referred to as it from the day one, it was going to be a f***ing battle,” Strickland mentioned post-fight. “Hats off to the brand new champ, it was a goddam battle. I’m salty, I’m going to say I gained, however possibly I’m being a f***ing…”
“Canada, I like you guys, you welcome me. I really feel such as you guys are my household. I informed you, I might bleed for you and I bleed for you. I might do it any day of the week.”
“Let’s run it again. Congrats champ. I’m out of right here.”
Try Sean Strickland vs Dricus du Plessis full battle video highlights beneath and the winner’s post-fight interview up prime.
Among the video clips beneath are restricted by area. A VPN service, akin to ExpressVPN, set for USA, Australia or Spain, could be useful to observe from a unique location.
Strickland vs du Plessis full battle video highlights
Dricus du Plessis makes his Octagon stroll.
Right here comes Sean Strickland.
Battle time.
Motion.
Battle goes the space.
Verdict.
Get UFC 297: Strickland vs du Plessis full card outcomes.
