Sean Strickland makes case for Dricus Du Plessis rematch: 'Dana himself thought I won'

Sean Strickland thinks he’s deserving of an immediate rematch with UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.

After losing the belt in a debated split decision in January’s UFC 297 headliner in Toronto, Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) wants a chance to run it back with Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC), and thinks he’s the most worthy contender in the weight class.

Strickland took to social media on Wednesday and make his thoughts on the situation known (via X):

You know I don't care about fight politics or a belt but it makes me laugh they give izzy a rematch to alex after getting slept..

I lost a close decision that dana himself thought I won. Everyone did.. The stats did.

That needs to be run back..

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 13, 2024

You know I don’t care about fight politics or a belt but it makes me laugh they give izzy a rematch to alex after getting slept..

I lost a close decision that dana himself thought I won. Everyone did.. The stats did.

That needs to be run back..

UFC CEO Dana White said at the UFC 297 post-fight news conference that he had the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight tied 2-2 going into the fifth round, which he scored for Strickland.

It remains to be seen if Strickland’s wish will be granted, but it seems grim. The UFC attempted to book Du Plessis against Israel Adesanya for the UFC 300 main event in April, and although it didn’t materialize, that matchup appears to still be the plan for the next 185-pound title bout.