The UFC 296 event had been a rollercoaster for the MMA Fans. With both the Flyweight and Welterweight Championship being defended and retained by Alexandre Pantoja and Leon Edwards. From Lightweight Tony Ferguson facing his 7 straight loss and tieing with B.J.Penn for the longest losing streak in UFC history.
Even in so many octagon moments, several arena instances caught the eye of the MMA Community. From famous athlete David Goggins walking down with Tony and being in his corner to Former US President Donald Trump leaving during Colby Covington’s Octagon speech. However, one that stood out would surely be the brawl that broke down between Middleweights Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis.
Dana White: What kind of an asshole seats Strickland next to Du Plessis? This asshole.#UFC296 #UFC pic.twitter.com/KMnTaqNg2f
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 17, 2023
Addressing it in the post-fight presentation UFC President Dana White took the blame for the sitting arrangement which may have caused the havoc. He stated, “What kind of a**hole sits Strickland next to Du Plessis, this a**hole, that’s who” pointing at himself. “Well I don’t know what humans you can sit Strickland with but definitely not Du Plessis, you know I don’t even know how I missed that,” he added.
The Middleweight Champion is seen flexing and throwing gun gestures in the front row at UFC 296. This was aimed at the South African which was met with the same energy and trash-talk. Strickland then asked Welterweight Gilbert Burn’s Wife and Son to move aside who were seated in the row between the two fighters. Sean then launched an attack on Du Plessis and had to be separated by security and the UFC President.
Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier comment on the Sean Strickland incident
UFC Commentator Joe Rogan was the first to highlight the brawl when it occurred to the TV audience. Rogan commentated on the incident by sharing “Well it’s just so ridiculous that the UFC Middleweight Champion of the world would do that, he is out of his mind, he really is nuts and look he getting off on of it, he enjoys it, he had a good time but you know don’t do that just don’t.”
The full incident between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis at #UFC296 tonight.
Bring on #UFC297 in January! pic.twitter.com/HQt0Uj1jiv
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Former UFC Double Champion and Commentator Daniel Cormier commented on it “How about Sean Strickland who is a psychopath, having the wherewithal to tell the kids to move before he attacks Dricus du Plessis, dude is crazy, he got thrown out of the Gym.” Joe further asked Cormier if it was his idea to seat them so close. To which Daniel replied by claiming he wasn’t involved.
As the Fighters involved were about to headline and face each other at UFC 297. There already had been trash talk and gestures inclined to possible physical confrontation. Although initially, there wasn’t any bad blood between the two fighters. Sean Strickland even defended Du Plessis after the race-baiting incident with Israel Adesanya at UFC 290.
THE FIRST PPV OF 2024 🍿 #UFC297 pic.twitter.com/UZs4o2wXlh
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 17, 2023
Strickland considered Du Plessis to be a worthy opponent. Being currently undefeated in the UFC with a 6 Fight win streak. The equation changed when his opponent brought up Sean’s Father and his abusive childhood into the picture. This occurred at the UFC seasonal press conference in response to Strickland’s trash-talk. Some believe it could be a setup to boost a promo for the upcoming title fight.