Dricus du Plessis on Saturday outpointed Sean Strickland to claim a split-decision win and the middleweight title at UFC 297 at the Scotiabank Arena, becoming South Africa’s first world champion in the promotion.
The two battled through five rounds, taking the bout to the distance, but in the end it was Du Plessis taking Strickland’s middleweight belt after bloodying the former champ over his left eye and winning a split decision.
Judges Derek Cleary and Eric Colon scored the bout 48-47 in favor of Du Plessis, while Sal D’Amato had it 48-47 for Strickland.
Photo:Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY
“This is history,” Du Plessis (21-2) screamed in honor of his homeland. “South Africa ... we can probably hear them from outside. That country is amazing.”
Last month, Du Plessis referenced Strickland’s abusive relationship with his father, and Strickland let it be known that would not be tolerated.
At UFC 296 on Dec. 17, Strickland jumped over a row of seats and attacked Du Plessis — which both said was not a publicity stunt.
Nothing about the fight was a stunt either, as the two traded severe blows, especially in the latter rounds.
Despite the tension leading up to fight night, Du Plessis gave Strickland (28-6) his just due afterward.
“Every time he hits you with that jab it feels like someone hit you with a rock. You are one heck of a man, thank you for bringing out the best of me tonight,” Du Plessis said. “The first three rounds were give and take, but the last two, I was desperate [in] rounds four and five.”
“I called it from day one — it was going to be a war,” Strickland replied.
In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington came on strong over the final two rounds to secure a unanimous decision win over Mayra Bueno Silva to take the vacant women’s bantamweight crown.
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