Sean Strickland Fights: Who Won & What Happened?

Hey there, fight fans! Ever wonder who won the Sean Strickland fight? Or maybe you're just trying to keep up with one of the most unpredictable and entertaining personalities in the UFC. Sean "Tarzan" Strickland is definitely a character, right? From his no-holds-barred interviews to his relentless pressure inside the octagon, this guy always brings the heat. But beyond the wild antics and unfiltered opinions, Strickland is a seriously skilled middleweight contender, a former champion even! His journey in the UFC has been a rollercoaster of epic highs and tough losses, making every single one of his bouts a must-watch event. So, if you're curious about who came out on top in some of his most memorable clashes, you've come to the right place. We're gonna break down the biggest moments, discuss the winners and losers, and dive into what made these fights so unforgettable. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Sean Strickland's career and find out exactly who won those pivotal fights!

The Shocking Upset: Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya – The Middleweight Title Win

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with arguably the biggest win in Sean Strickland's career, the one where he completely shocked the world and snatched the middleweight title from none other than Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya. Seriously, who saw that coming? Heading into UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia, in September 2023, the betting odds were stacked heavily against Strickland. Adesanya, a two-time champion and one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, was expected to cruise. Most experts, pundits, and even casual fans thought Strickland was just a stepping stone for Izzy, perhaps a fun fight for the champ but ultimately a clear victory for the Last Stylebender. But oh, how wrong they all were! Strickland, with his trademark aggressive, forward-moving style and relentless pressure, completely dismantled Adesanya over five rounds. From the opening bell, Sean Strickland dictated the pace, stepping forward, cutting off the cage, and landing that stiff jab repeatedly. He caught Adesanya early with a big right hand in the first round that wobbled the champ, and from that moment on, the confidence in Strickland's corner, and in Sean himself, just soared. He didn't just win rounds; he dominated them, neutralizing Adesanya's famed striking and elusive footwork. It wasn't a flash knockout or a submission; it was a gritty, technical masterclass in pressure fighting.

Who won the Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya fight? Sean Strickland won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 49-46 in his favor. This was an absolutely monumental victory, not just for Strickland but for the entire middleweight division, proving that anyone can be beaten on any given night. He controlled the distance, stifled Adesanya's kicks, and continuously walked him down, landing punches and forcing Izzy onto the back foot – a place Adesanya rarely finds himself. This victory wasn't just about winning a belt; it was about a true underdog story, a fighter who stayed true to his unorthodox style and proved all the doubters wrong. This win solidified his place as a legitimate top-tier fighter, not just a loudmouth. The atmosphere was electric, and seeing Strickland hoist that belt, almost in disbelief, was a moment that will forever be etched in UFC history. It was a fight where Strickland proved that mental toughness, unwavering pressure, and a powerful jab can truly conquer even the most decorated strikers. He kept his composure, stuck to his game plan, and delivered a performance that left everyone speechless. This fight dramatically changed the landscape of the middleweight division, and suddenly, everyone was talking about Sean Strickland, the unlikely champion.

The Title Defense: Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis – A Controversial Loss

Okay, moving on from the highest high, let's talk about Sean Strickland's first title defense, which unfortunately resulted in a loss against Dricus "Stillknocks" du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto in January 2024. This was another barnburner, guys, and it definitely left a lot of people scratching their heads and debating who actually won the fight. Heading into this bout, there was a ton of bad blood, some of the most intense and personal trash talk we've seen in a while, especially revolving around some incredibly sensitive topics. This built up a massive amount of hype, making the fight feel like a genuine grudge match for the middleweight championship. Everyone knew these two weren't just fighting for the belt; they were fighting to prove a point. The fight itself was a grueling, five-round war, a true testament to both men's toughness and conditioning. Strickland, as always, came out with his signature forward pressure, utilizing his stiff jab and consistent volume. He looked sharp in the early rounds, dictating the pace and landing clean shots, often bloodying Du Plessis. Dricus, however, showed incredible resilience and a relentless attacking style, frequently closing the distance, looking for takedowns, and landing powerful hooks and combinations. He managed to secure some crucial takedowns and land significant ground and pound, especially as the fight progressed into the later rounds.

Who won the Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis fight? The official decision went to Dricus du Plessis via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47). This was a super close fight, and honestly, a lot of fans and even analysts felt that Strickland had done enough to retain his title. Many scored it for Strickland, pointing to his consistent jab, volume, and seemingly cleaner strikes throughout the majority of the rounds. However, the judges saw it differently, with Du Plessis's late-round surges, takedowns, and damage (Strickland suffered a nasty cut around his eye) swaying the decision in his favor. This controversial outcome sparked a huge debate across the MMA world. Strickland himself believed he won, and many agreed. It was a brutal, back-and-forth contest where both fighters left everything in the octagon. Du Plessis's ability to absorb punishment and keep coming forward, coupled with his effective takedowns and powerful strikes in the championship rounds, ultimately sealed the deal for the judges. For Strickland, it was a bitter pill to swallow, losing his newly acquired championship in such a tight and debatable fashion. Despite the loss, Strickland's performance once again showcased his grit and unwavering determination, proving he's a true champion at heart, even without the belt. This fight will forever be remembered for its intensity, the bad blood, and that incredibly tight split decision that crowned a new champion.

The Brutal Knockout: Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira – A Tough Learning Curve

Next up, let's talk about a significant moment in Sean Strickland's career that didn't go his way: his clash with Alex "Poatan" Pereira at UFC 276 in July 2022. This was a fight that many people were looking forward to, primarily because it pitted two of the middleweight division's most dangerous strikers against each other. Pereira, a renowned kickboxer making his transition into MMA, was already making waves with his terrifying power, particularly his left hook. Strickland, ever the brawler, was on a six-fight win streak, feeling confident, and ready to stand and trade. He was coming off impressive wins and was seen as a legitimate threat to anyone in the division. The narrative around this fight was whether Strickland's relentless pressure and volume striking could break down Pereira's elite kickboxing pedigree. Strickland, as we know, loves to march forward, talk trash, and get in his opponent's face, trying to break them mentally as well as physically. However, against a specialist like Pereira, known for his one-punch knockout power and calm demeanor, this approach proved to be a very high-risk strategy.

Who won the Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira fight? Alex Pereira won by knockout in the very first round. And let me tell you, guys, it was brutal. Strickland attempted to use his usual pressure, moving forward and throwing his jab, but Pereira's striking was just on another level. A powerful left hook from Pereira landed flush on Strickland's chin, dropping him to the canvas. Pereira followed up with a few more shots before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. It was a swift, decisive victory for Pereira, showcasing his incredible knockout power and proving why he was so feared even in his early UFC career. For Strickland, this was a tough loss, a brutal setback that ended his impressive winning streak and temporarily halted his climb to the title. It was a stark reminder of the dangers of fighting elite-level strikers who possess true one-punch finishing ability. This fight highlighted a moment where Strickland's aggressive, forward-moving style, without sufficient defensive layers, was exploited by a world-class counter-striker. While a tough pill to swallow, this loss was also a learning experience for Strickland. It forced him to re-evaluate aspects of his game and refine his approach, ultimately contributing to the fighter he would become when he eventually faced and defeated Adesanya. This quick, decisive finish by Pereira became one of the most talked-about knockouts of that year, further cementing Pereira's status as a formidable force in the middleweight division, and for Strickland, it was a moment of humbling, but ultimately, growth.

The Gritty Victory: Sean Strickland vs. Jack Hermansson – Earning His Stripes

Let's rewind a bit and talk about a fight where Sean Strickland really solidified his position as a legitimate contender, his main event clash against Jack "The Joker" Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 200 in February 2022. This was a pivotal fight for both guys in the middleweight division. Hermansson was a top-ranked fighter known for his tricky grappling and powerful ground and pound, always a tough out for anyone. Strickland, on the other hand, was riding a five-fight win streak since returning to middleweight and was eager to prove he belonged in the upper echelon of the division. The stakes were high; a win here meant a significant jump in the rankings and a step closer to title contention. The fight itself was a classic Strickland performance in many ways: relentless pressure, a pounding jab, and a constant march forward. Hermansson tried to implement his grappling, looking for takedowns and submissions, but Strickland's takedown defense held up remarkably well for the most part. When the fight stayed on the feet, Strickland meticulously picked apart Hermansson, controlling the distance and stifling "The Joker's" offense. It wasn't the flashiest fight, but it was a masterclass in controlled aggression and tactical striking.

Who won the Sean Strickland vs. Jack Hermansson fight? Sean Strickland won by split decision (49-46, 47-48, 49-46). Despite the split decision, many felt it was a fairly clear victory for Strickland, who controlled the fight with his jab and consistent output. Hermansson had his moments, particularly attempting takedowns, but struggled to land significant damage or establish prolonged control against Strickland's disciplined approach. This win was crucial for Strickland's career because it showed he could go five rounds with a tough, top-ranked opponent and come out on top. It wasn't just about winning; it was about proving his endurance, his technical striking, and his ability to neutralize a dangerous grappler. He managed the fight perfectly, frustrating Hermansson and never truly allowing "The Joker" to get into a rhythm. This victory solidified his spot as a true contender in the middleweight division and set him up for bigger fights down the line, eventually leading to his title shot. It demonstrated that Strickland wasn't just a powerful striker, but also a smart fighter who could stick to a game plan and execute it over 25 minutes against a high-caliber opponent. This fight was a significant stepping stone on his path to becoming a champion, showcasing his evolving skill set and his unwavering self-belief. It truly was a fight where Strickland earned his stripes and announced his presence at the top.

The Enduring Legacy: What Makes Sean Strickland a Must-Watch Fighter?

So, there you have it, guys – a look at some of the most pivotal fights in Sean Strickland's career, detailing who won and how those outcomes shaped his journey. Whether he's winning titles, losing them controversially, or getting knocked out in spectacular fashion, one thing is for sure: Sean Strickland is never boring. His career is a testament to perseverance, an unwavering belief in himself, and a willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. What truly makes Strickland a must-watch fighter, beyond his unfiltered personality, is his unique fighting style. He's not always looking for the flashy knockout, but rather employs a relentless, high-pressure, volume-based striking game that grinds down opponents. His stiff jab is a weapon in itself, capable of controlling distance, setting up combinations, and even rattling seasoned veterans. He's also shown incredible durability and a constantly improving grappling defense, which is crucial in the stacked middleweight division.

From his stunning title win against Israel Adesanya to his controversial title defense against Dricus du Plessis, and even his brutal loss to Alex Pereira, every one of Strickland's fights tells a story. He embodies the underdog spirit, the fighter who constantly defies expectations and pushes the boundaries both inside and outside the octagon. His interactions with the media and fans are legendary, creating a buzz around every event he's part of. He’s a guy who will speak his mind, sometimes to his detriment, but always authentically. This authenticity, combined with his unyielding fighting spirit, makes him a compelling figure in the sport. Who won the Sean Strickland fight? Well, as we've seen, it varies, but regardless of the outcome, he always leaves a lasting impression. As he continues his career, fight fans will undoubtedly be tuning in to see what "Tarzan" does next. Will he reclaim the middleweight title? Will he continue to baffle and entertain? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: a Sean Strickland fight is always an event you don't want to miss. He's a fighter who reminds us that the journey in MMA is full of twists, turns, and unexpected moments, and that's precisely why we love this sport. So keep an eye out for his next bout, because you know it's going to be wild!