The electrifying atmosphere at UFC 297 in Toronto on January 20, 2024, will forever be etched in the canals of MMA history. As the chilling breezes swept over the night skies, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. This momentous occasion witnessed a groundbreaking triumph for South African MMA, as Driccus Du Plessis made history by clinching the coveted UFC championship. His remarkable achievement not only secured his rightful place among the elite in the sport, but also marked a significant milestone as the first fighter born in South Africa to ascend to such unparalleled heights in the UFC. The resounding echoes of this victory reverberated across the globe, inspiring a new generation of aspiring athletes and captivating the hearts of fans worldwide. UFC 297 will forever be remembered as a true testament to the unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit of Driccus Du Plessis, etching his name in the pantheon of MMA legends.
Du Plessis achieved this feat against former Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, who upset top contender Israel Adesanya in September 2023. However, the triumph is shrouded in controversy, as the judges’ scorecards sharply contrast with the unanimous sentiment echoing across social media and fans worldwide. Even UFC commissioner Dana White, a firsthand witness at the event, expressed his disbelief during a press conference, stating, ‘I was sitting at the same table.’ This dissonance between official judgment and public outcry unveils a gripping tale of a contested victory that has riled up the MMA community, especially in the streets of LA.
Just how riled up is the MMA community? Venturing into the streets of North Los Angeles, I gathered insights from diverse individuals, each sharing their perspective on the heated topic. It became evident that emotions were running high, and opinions were sharply divided. People from all walks of life – fighters, trainers, fans, and residents – poured out into the streets, their voices echoing the intensity of the ongoing debate.
Some expressed frustration, such as Amateur Boxer Antonio Rao. Rao, hailing from Chatsworth, California, expressed his frustration with the outcome. When asked about his initial impressions, Rao told me,
“Strickland had more significant strike counts, more punches thrown…I think something like 40, and 70 more punches landed than Du Plessis. How is it that someone can hold someone for 3 rounds and win?” – Antonio Rao
Rao followed up by saying,
“I’ve been in the corner after a tough round and let me tell you, your mind goes places. Strickland looked locked in the entire fight while Du Plessis looked gassed. A champion shouldn’t look worse than his opponent.”– Antonio Rao
While Rao may have a point, Other native residents expressed joy. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ruben Venegas, an amateur Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter representing Granada Hills, California. He spoke as if he understood people’s opinions.
“While it may not be pretty, a win is a win…rather than get upset that it wasn’t flashy, understand that Du Plessis worked on his grapple game and takedown offense during his own training camp leading up to the fight…all in all, it could have gone either way, however I agree with the judges decision.” – Ruben Venegas
Other fans embraced the chaos, viewing it as a symbol of passion and dedication within the community. I wanted to get into the mind of someone who didn’t understand the sport as much, someone who would view the fight as a fight, not a point factor. Thus, at my last interview I had the pleasure of speaking to Daniel Wasserman, an aspiring sports podcaster with his own podcast AD Sports Coming in late of 2024. When asked about his initial impressions, including who won, Wasserman replied,
“there are certain sports that have a degree of subjectivity and no matter what, there will always be someone who will disagree. In other words, you can’t please everyone…that being said…I’d go with Strickland. There will always be a winner and there will always be a loser. People that pursue sports go into it knowing that this is a reality that can happen”.– Daniel Wasserman
Wasserman comments highlight that winners and losers are intrinsic to the sport. His commentary suggests an understanding that, despite controversies, athletes willingly enter the arena, cognizant of the potential for subjective decisions.
Wasserman’s perspective adds a layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding the Du Plessis-Strickland clash, Unlike Rao and Venegas, Wasserman brings in an outsider’s viewpoint and his insights offer a glimpse into how those less familiar with MMA perceive controversies within the sport. His words prompt reflection on the broader acceptance of subjectivity in sports and the diverse perspectives that shape the narrative around contentious events.
In the wake of this contentious outcome, aspiring fighters and established champions are reevaluating the significance of securing a clear victory inside the octagon. The Du Plessis-Strickland clash has not only ignited a fiery discourse within the MMA community but has also raised questions about the broader implications of controversial judging decisions in professional sports. As the reverberations of this event continue to be felt, it remains to be seen how the industry will address and learn from the fallout of such a disputed result.