South Africa has a UFC champion.
Through his efforts in the UFC 297 main event Saturday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Dricus Du Plessis was crowned the promotion’s middleweight champion with a split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) win over Sean Strickland.
After a tough first round, Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) found his rhythm with increasing success. Meanwhile, Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) struggled to avoid the unorthodox blows and takedown attempts.