Dricus Du Plessis after fight in UFC 297. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews
The middleweight (up to 83,9kg) of Ultimate has a new champion. In the main fight of UFC 297, held this Saturday (20), in Toronto (CAN), Dricus Du Plessis surprised and surpassed Sean Strickland in a struggle marked by balance. In a five-round clash, the South African alternated between good and bad moments, but convinced two of the three judges, taking victory in a split decision.
The result was accompanied by questions from fans and the specialized press. Among the judges Derek Cleary, Eric Colon and Sal D’Amato, only the latter scored a victory for the North American (48-47, 48-47, 47-48).
With the victory, the middleweight category has its fourth champion in the last two years. In past seasons, Israel adesanya, Alex Poatán, Strickland and, now, Du Plessis, wore the belt.
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Outperformed at the event, Sean left the octagon with an ovation. The athlete, however, did not have any title defenses in his short reign.
protagonist in UFC 297, Du Plessis has more to celebrate. With the achievement, the athlete becomes the first fighter from South Africa to win a belt in Ultimate.
Balance in the octagon
The fight began with Strickland taking the initiative with his traditional jab. Du Plessis saved his attacks and looked for the best moment to strike. The champion had the advantage and continued to score, even if the attacks did not cause significant damage. Dricus found it difficult to find the best distance and launched attacks in the void. Near the final minute, Du Plessis managed to take down Sean, but the American stayed on his feet. The South African managed to take his opponent to the canvas again, but, once again, Strickland got up. Afterwards, the 'bad boy' walked away and the fight was fought again in the center of the Octagon.
In the second round, Sean was again the first to attack, with a jab. Du Plessis, however, came back more active and started throwing overhand shots from long range that scared the champion. The challenger produced little and launched attacks in vain. Strickland, in turn, showed off his avoidance and strategy. In the final minute, Dricus ‘flew’ at the champion’s leg and managed a takedown. Close to finishing the stage, Sean managed to stand up and walk away.
The challenger returned for the third round trying to impose his game. The South African, however, had considerable swelling in his left eye. Strickland remained calm and continued to follow the plan drawn up by the team, defining points with jabs and direct shots. Time passed and the challenger continued wasting attacks. Strickland remained focused and didn't give any chance for any mistakes.
The penultimate round followed the script of the previous stages. Dricus tried to attack and Strickland dodged, throwing jabs afterwards. Almost halfway through the stage, Du Plessis found the distance and managed to cut the champion's left eye. The fighters began exchanging attacks in the center of the octagon. Sean showed signs of feeling his rival's attacks and looked for a takedown. The South African reversed the position and took down his opponent. Sean managed to stay on his feet and quickly moved away from his opponent. The challenger managed to loosen his game. After hurting the North American in the exchange, the South African took him down again. Strickland got back to his feet, but his rival had no space. At the end of the stage, the champion started to show signs of fatigue.
In the last round, the athletes began to exchange attacks in the center of the Octagon. The clash was tense with both scoring with jabs and straight shots in the center of the cage. Halfway through the round, the South African risked a takedown, but the champion defended himself well. Sean bet on counterattacks and waited for his opponent's actions to strike. In the final minute, to the public's applause, the fighters exchanged attacks, but their fatigue was evident.
UFC 297 results
MAIN CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Dricus Du Plessis derrotou Sean Strickland in the judges' split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Rachel Pennington derrotou Mayra Sheetara in the unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 49-46, 49-45) – fight for the belt
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Neil Magny derrotou Mike Malott by technical knockout at 4m45s of R3
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Chris Curtis derrotou Marc-Andre Barriault in the judges' split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 56,7 kg): Movsar Evloev derrotou arnold allen in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Garrett Armfield derrotou Brad Katona in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Sean Woodson derrotou Charles Jourdain in the judges' split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ramon Taveras derrotou Serhiy Sidey in the judges' split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Gillian robertson derrotou Polyana viana by technical knockout at 3m12s of R2
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Yohan Lainesse x Sam Patterson
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Jasmine Jasudavicius finished Priscila Pedrita with a choke at 4m23s of R3
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jimmy Flick finished Malcolm Gordon with an arm triangle at 1m17s of R2
