EUGENE, Or. – During Saturday’s UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis dethroned Sean Strickland by controversial split-decision to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. Fan reaction to the decision was mixed. Opinions at the University of Oregon’s Rec Center were similarly divided.
“I think Sean Strickland won the main event,” said sophomore Kellen Powell. “I think there’s a pretty common consensus that Sean won the fight.”
Junior Ben Kuriel agreed with Powell. “I had to give it to Strickland, just because I felt like Du Plessis didn’t do enough to really take the belt from the champion,” said Kuriel.
However, junior Anthony Testa disagreed. “Over the last three rounds, Du Plessis really dominated because he was landing more of the dominant punches,” said Testa. “I think Du Plessis won.” Like Strickland and many other UFC fans, Testa wants to see a rematch between the two fighters. Du Plessis’ next fight could be announced soon.
Fans are divided in who they want to challenge Du Plessis first. Former two-time champion Israel Adesanya has plenty of history with Du Plessis, and fans like Powell want to see the two face off. "I think he’s gonna beat Du Plessis," said Powell.
Kuriel wasn't so sure. “I don’t know, I feel like Adesanya doesn’t really need a title shot right now. I feel like there’s other stuff going on,” he said. Instead, Kuriel wants to see Strickland and Du Plessis fight again. “I think there should be a rematch," said Kuriel. "Honestly I might give it to Du Plessis in the rematch.”
Fans may not have to wait long to discover Du Plessis' next opponent. The highly anticipated UFC 300 card is a main event away from completion, and the middleweight title has been heavily linked to the top spot. Strickland's severe cut that he suffered in round five may not see him medically cleared, which would only matter if he was assigned a rematch. Many people, myself included, expect Adesanya to regain the throne in a win over Du Plessis sometime this year.
Comments