‘Drake gotta stop betting on MMA‘: Fighters react to Dricus du Plessis’ win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297

Dricus du Plessis is the UFC middleweight champion of the world after a split decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 297.

Du Plessis went five hard rounds – a first for him in his long MMA career – and captured two of three judges’ scorecards by scores of 48-47 to pick up his seventh UFC win and the middleweight title on Saturday night. One judge dissented 48-47 for Strickland, who was denied his first title defense after a massive upset win over Israel Adesanya this past year.

Here’s how fighters reacted to the UFC 297 main event between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.

Bo Nickal really gonna get a middleweight title shot in the next 8 months #UFC297

— Joe Joe Giannetti (@Giannettimma) January 21, 2024

This fight shows how important a cut man can be. Blood looks bad and it never stopped once he got cut. It could have an affect on the scoring in close fights

— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) January 21, 2024

Really didn’t expect Dricus to be able to fight that hard 25 minutes. Very impressed.

— Funky (@Benaskren) January 21, 2024

Damn I’m going 48-47 Strickland but I think very good chance DDP gets the nod.

— Funky (@Benaskren) January 21, 2024

South Africa, you have a champion!

DDP looked great tonight.. cardio was solid, patient, and very smart, mixing in those takedowns and showing different looks..

Very impressive performance #UFC297

— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) January 21, 2024