Sean Strickland coach takes responsibility for UFC 297 loss

Sean Strickland lost the middleweight championship at UFC 297 to Dricus Du Plessis via split decision.  The scoring of the fight has been feverishly debated since it was read by Bruce Buffer inside Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.  

In fights that close, it’s the little things that could have been done that haunt Extreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick.  

“I haven’t watched it back yet.  I’ve been busy like the moment I landed and I have almost like that, I wouldn’t say PTSD, but I have this anxiousness about what crumbs we left behind,” Nicksick told the Anik & Florian Podcast.  

“That’s what kills me the most,” Nicksick continued.  “Those close fights hurt me the most because that means we left some crumbs behind.  We didn’t win the optic battle.  We didn’t do little things that we could have done I think to sway the judges and that falls on me as a coach.  That’s a tough pill to swallow at times because it’s a title.  It’s a world title and I know how hard those are to come by.”  

Title fights that end in split decisions are a lot of times rebooked for an immediate rematch, but the UFC appears to have other plans.  

“Eventually these two are going to end up fighting again I’m sure,” saidUFC President Dana White during the UFC 297 Post-Fight Press Conference. “We’re not thinking about an immediate rematch right now.” 

Nicksick congratulated Du Plessis and his team on the win but wants a rematch as soon as they can get one.  

“I would love that opportunity to compete again,” said Nicksick.  “Hats off to Dricus and his team.  They fought brilliantly.  A classy individual.  I’m glad they’re getting their shot.  I truly am.  Like, if we were going to lose I’m glad we lost to Dricus and his team and I’m glad they’re getting their shine along with their country.  But as a competitor, yes.  Absolutely.  I would love that opportunity to compete against him again and make some adjustments and go out and try to get the belt back.”