At UFC 312 in Sydney, Sean Strickland confronted heavy criticism for his efficiency in opposition to reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. The struggle resulted in a dominant unanimous choice victory for Du Plessis, with scorecards studying 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46.
Sean Strickland is Not That Man
Sean Strickland pre-fight promised to struggle “to the dying.” Afterward, he was accused of missing urgency throughout the bout. Notably as Du Plessis managed the tempo and inflicted important harm, together with breaking Strickland’s nostril within the fourth spherical. He didn’t push the tempo, change his recreation plan, or dig deep when it was wanted most.
Former fighter and analyst Din Thomas was among the many most vocal critics. Talking on the ESPN MMA Present, Thomas acknowledged, “We simply should admit it now, Sean Strickland isn’t who he says he’s. We would like him to be one thing, he desires to be one thing, however he’s not that man. He’s not the man that may go ‘to the dying’, he didn’t even go deep.”
The criticism stemmed from Sean Strickland’s incapacity to regulate his technique or push ahead aggressively regardless of trailing on the scorecards. His efficiency was described as tentative and missing the depth anticipated from a former champion.
Whereas UFC President Dana White praised Strickland’s professionalism and resilience throughout the struggle, others, together with Du Plessis himself, famous moments the place Strickland appeared rattled and failed to face his floor. The defeat marked Strickland’s second loss to Du Plessis and raised questions on his skill to reclaim the middleweight title. In the meantime, Du Plessis solidified his standing as one of many division’s high fighters with a commanding efficiency that left little question about his championship credentials.
