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Bloodied and Beaten
Sean Strickland's reign as middleweight champion came to a brutal end on Saturday night at UFC 297 in Toronto. The controversial American, who was defending his 185lbs title, was left battered and bloodied by South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis.
A Promise Fulfilled
Both fighters had vowed to deliver a bloody war, and they certainly didn't disappoint. Du Plessis relentlessly pressured Strickland with takedowns and strikes, drawing blood in the fourth round with a powerful right hand.
A Historic Victory
With his win over Strickland, Du Plessis became the first UFC champion from South Africa and only the fourth African titleholder in the promotion's history. Emotionally, he declared, "This is history, South Africa!"
A Grudge Match in the Making
Du Plessis wasted no time in calling out his next opponent. He has his sights set on a grudge match with rival Israel Adesanya, who he has been at odds with for nearly a year. Du Plessis proclaimed, "Israel Adesanya, get your ass back in this cage."
The Road Ahead
With his victory, Du Plessis is now a three-promotion world champion. Attention has already turned to his first title defense, with Khamzat Chimaev and Israel Adesanya both potential challengers.
