Sean Strickland’s frustration over losing his middleweight title has been exposed in a recently leaked video from his locker room following UFC 297.
The title defense against South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis was marked by a heated build-up, culminating in an all-out brawl at UFC 296. Du Plessis ultimately claimed the title with a split-decision victory.
In the backstage footage, Strickland and his team engage in a candid conversation about the impact of a perceived headbutt during the fight.
Strickland voiced his displeasure, attributing his loss to an eye injury caused by the alleged headbutt. His team supported the claim, suggesting that the “foul” influenced the judges and even affected the commentary.
During the conversation, Strickland lamented, “Once that f**king eye opened up, I don’t know how it opened up,” emphasizing the challenges he faced due to impaired vision in the heat of competition.
Despite Strickland’s complaints, Dricus Du Plessis, the new UFC middleweight champion, shared a different perspective. In a recent press conference, Du Plessis revealed the nervous moments he experienced while awaiting the decision, stating, “When they started announcing that split decision, I’ve never prayed so hard in my life.”
The champion’s revelation provided insight into the emotional toll fighters endure during critical moments, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his championship victory.
The leaked backstage footage provides a raw and unfiltered view of Strickland’s immediate reactions and the ongoing dialogue with his team, offering fans a glimpse into the complexities and frustrations that fighters experience beyond what is visible inside the Octagon.
The controversy surrounding the fight’s outcome has heightened anticipation for Dricus Du Plessis’ next appearance in the Octagon, as fans eagerly await his continued journey as the middleweight champion.
