Dricus Du Plessis: No robbery, Sean Strickland clearly beat Khamzat Chimaev
May 21, 2026, 11:01 a.m. ET
Du Plessis, who previously saw no controversy in the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland clash, now finds the fight to be a surprising split decision. While Strickland claims the result was clear, the media scores were almost split dead even, which he attributes to the fact that both fighters had their own unique styles. He notes that while both men are formidable, Strickland’s ability to adapt and perform consistently in multiple combat genres made him the better choice.
Chimaev initially intended to challenge Strickland in a lighter weight division, but his shift toward MMA highlights a broader trend of fighters seeking more versatility. Du Plessis acknowledges that the rematch could have been more impactful if Chimaev had defended the title, but he emphasizes that his focus on proving himself in MMA will lead to continued success.
For Khamzat, the decision to call for a rematch suggests a desire to capitalize on his dominance in wrestling, but Du Plessis remains skeptical. He believes Chimaev has little incentive to seek a rematch due to lack of title defenses. However, the fight may still spark conversations about how fighters balance different styles and how their identities shape their careers.
In my opinion, this fight exemplifies the evolving nature of combat sports, where fighters are increasingly open to experimentation. It also raises questions about how titles can be secured without compromising a fighter's identity. As the UFC continues to push boundaries, the future of MMA looks set to see more innovative fighting styles emerge.
