Sean Strickland lost a split decision to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 on 13 Jul 2026, failing to claim the UFC middleweight championship in a closely contested bout. The judges’ scorecards read 48-47 for Du Plessis (two judges) and 48-47 for Strickland (one judge) after five rounds in Toronto.
What happened at UFC 297?
The main event saw Strickland, ranked #1 middleweight contender, face #2-ranked Du Plessis for the vacant title. All three judges submitted 48-47 scorecards, with two favoring Du Plessis’ grappling-heavy strategy. Media scores on MMADecisions.com were split: 13 for Du Plessis and 10 for Strickland. UFC CEO Dana White publicly disagreed with the outcome, stating he believed Strickland won.
Jon Anik's Frustration with Fan Negativity
UFC commentator Jon Anik criticized MMA fans’ reaction to the decision, calling the online discourse “malicious” and “disrespectful.” Speaking on the *Anik & Florian Podcast*, the 45-year-old veteran expressed exhaustion with constant criticism: “I don’t know how much longer I have left in this space.” Anik emphasized his team’s neutral approach despite fan accusations of bias.
Implications for Sean Strickland
Strickland (25-5 MMA, 9-3 UFC) remains a top middleweight contender despite the loss. The 32-year-old American has now lost two of his last three fights but retains a high ranking due to previous victories over contenders like Jack Hermansson and Uriah Hall. A rematch with Du Plessis or a clash with rising prospects like Robert Whittaker could materialize next.
Fan Reaction and Scoring Debate
The fight’s scoring ignited widespread discussion. While Du Plessis controlled portions of Rounds 2 and 4, Strickland landed more significant strikes (114 to 96 per UFC stats). Anik highlighted the polarized reactions: “We can disagree, but the hostility is overwhelming.” Former champions Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz, commentating alongside Anik, also split on their scorecards.
What Comes Next for the Division?
Du Plessis’ victory creates a new championship storyline, but Strickland’s performance ensures he’ll remain a title threat. The UFC’s middleweight division could see immediate rematches or fresh matchups depending on management decisions. Strickland’s next move will likely hinge on recovery and contractual obligations.