Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis (21-2-0) is the new undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world after defeating Sean “Tarzan” Strickland (28-6-0) via split decision on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
Du Plessis, 30, kept Strickland on his heels the entire fight, a far cry from when the latter defeated Israel Adesanya for the title belt late last year in Australia. The South African had never fought past the fourth round.
Alex Pereira explains the amazing and surprising reason why he broke up with his girlfriend Merle
Adesanya, 34, had called out Du Plessis before losing to Strickland and the South African now did the same following his victory.
Strickland, 32, was classy in victory and accepted defeat “like a man.” Both fighters shook hands and buried the hatcher.
The first three rounds saw Strickland cut Du Plessis’ eye before he returned the favor in the fourth. Judges likely made the correct decision, but it was a close contest. (48-47 Strickland, 48-47 Du Plessis, 48-47 Du Plessis)
Why did Sean Strickland walk out to a children’s song?
Strickland wanted to “fight for the kid inside” him and even walked out to a children’s song called The Ants Go Marching.
Following the victory over Adesanya, Strickland went on several podcasts to open up about how his abusive father, leading to Du Plessis poking fun at him during the press conference.
Strickland did not back down from wanting to connect with his inner child, whose father did not treat well whatsoever, but couldn’t clinch the win.
Now, Strickland has a ton of new fans despite no longer being the champ, including rapper Drake, who lost $700,000 betting against Du Plessis.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Marca
