Former champion suggests next step for Sean Strickland after losing belt at UFC 297

Sean Strickland was defeated by Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 297 (Photo: Playback / Instagram)

Last Saturday, the former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Sean Strickland, saw his reign come to an end at the hands of Dricus Du Plessis in the main fight of UFC 297. Michael Bisping, also a former category champion and current Ultimate commentator, gave his opinion on the judges' scores and offered a suggestion for the next chapter in 'Tarzan's' career.

With great balance from start to finish, the duel between the South African and the North American left fans and journalists divided regarding the result. Bisping, however, was not bothered by the judges' score and Du Plessis' victory.

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“The fight was very close. I honestly didn't know who would come away with the victory. I have no problems with marking. I congratulate them both on a tough fight, but I definitely think Strickland lost rounds 3 and 4 and may have lost the second”, analyzed the former champion.

In Bisping's opinion, the former champion's next step should be a rematch against Jared Cannonier, against whom he was defeated in December 2022.

“Let’s do Dricus against Adesanya in the UFC 300 or International Fight Week, and in the meantime, Strickland has a rematch with Jared Cannonier, because Cannonier is the only fighter who can realistically have a title fight. Give to Sean Strickland the chance to get revenge and, if that happens, he can make some adjustments to his style and face the winner of Dricus and Izzy again, as he has a history with both”, he concluded.