Dricus Du Plessis clashed with Sean Strickland in the UFC-297 fight on 20 Jan,2024 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, beating the American Strickland via split decision. Strickland (aka-” Tarzan”) dominated his earlier fight with Israel Adesanya as he scored his biggest victory in that. Before that, he had two back-to-back victories. Undefeated Du Plessis(aka ‘Stillknocks‘), on the other hand, was on a six-fight winning streak before UFC 297. His journey in the UFC had a pivotal moment coming in his fight against Robert Whittaker in July 2023. South African finished former UFC champion Robert Whittaker in the second-round TKO.
Du Plessis made his promotional debut against Markus Perez on 11 October 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179. He won the fight via knockout in round one.
Sean Strickland is an American mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He after losing from Du Pleiss has now become the former UFC Middleweight Champion. Strickland made his professional debut in 2008 and became King of the Cage champion.
After five rounds, the judges’ scorecards read 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47 in favor of Du Plessis.
First Round:
It was a good round for Strickland. He shot several calf kicks and front kicks to the Du Pleiss. Du pleiss struck the Strickland and grounded him but he got up and stood strong after.
Second Round:
Strickland dominated the round for the first half of the round, but as the round advanced the South African came into action with kicks and an overhand right which cut the eye of Strickland.
Third round
Du Plessis has come back into the bout and dominated the fight throughout with his wild kicks. Strickland was using jabs causing further damage to both the South African’s eyes
Fourth round
Du Plessis cuts the champion early above his left eye. He landed fewer blows, his wilder power shots frequently found their target and he forced Strickland back.
Fifth round
Du Plessis banged his chest but the champion fought well with all the straight shots. Du Plessis seemed down and then he took momentum in the last minute and Strickland brought the onslaught of shots, as both swung for the fences in the closing stages.
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