At UFC 312 in Sydney, Sean Strickland confronted heavy criticism for his efficiency towards reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. The battle led to 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 battle “to the dying.” Afterward, he was accused of missing urgency throughout the bout. Notably as Du Plessis managed the tempo and inflicted vital harm, together with breaking Strickland’s nostril within the fourth spherical. He didn’t push the tempo, change his sport 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 shouldn’t be 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 lack of ability 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 battle, 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 potential to reclaim the middleweight title. In the meantime, Du Plessis solidified his standing as one of many division’s prime fighters with a commanding efficiency that left little doubt about his championship credentials.
