Sean Strickland’s victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship made waves in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. However, the victory didn’t come without controversy, especially when Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick, publicly criticized the new champ’s approach to the fight following his win. To add fuel to the fire, Dricus Du Plessis, a top contender in the middleweight division, had predicted how Strickland would lose long before the fight, and his words seem to have hit the mark. Here’s a closer look at what went down.

Eric Nicksick’s Public Criticism of Strickland

While Strickland’s win was celebrated by many, including fans and fellow fighters, his coach, Eric Nicksick, didn’t mince words when it came to critiquing his fighter’s performance. After the fight, Nicksick expressed frustration over Strickland’s attitude, specifically his lack of respect for the fight camp and preparation.

“You know, Sean can be his own worst enemy,” Nicksick said, his tone filled with frustration. “He’s talented, but his mental approach was all over the place. It’s like we did everything to prepare him, but he didn’t take it seriously until the night of the fight. He’s got all the tools, but sometimes it’s a mental thing with him.”

The comments were a surprise to many, given the victory Strickland had just secured, but Nicksick’s honesty about his fighter’s lack of focus and preparation rang true for a coach who has worked with top fighters in the UFC. While Nicksick acknowledged Strickland’s natural ability and talent, he clearly felt that the middleweight champion’s inconsistency in the lead-up to the fight could have cost him dearly against a fighter of Adesanya’s caliber.

Dricus Du Plessis’ Prediction: A Look Into the Future

Before Strickland even stepped into the octagon to face Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis, a highly ranked middleweight, had already predicted how the fight would unfold. Du Plessis, who has a keen eye for strategy, was vocal in his belief that Strickland’s mental and technical flaws would catch up to him in the long run.

“I think Strickland is going to struggle with someone who can really mix it up,” Du Plessis said in an interview leading up to the fight. “He’s not the most technical fighter, and if you pressure him, he’ll start to make mistakes. Adesanya has the perfect style to exploit that. I wouldn’t be surprised if Strickland falls short in this one.”

Du Plessis’ words seemed to foreshadow the way Strickland approached the fight, especially in the way he allowed Adesanya to dictate the pace at times. While Strickland pulled off the win and stunned fans with his boxing, it wasn’t without moments of hesitation and uncertainty—exactly what Du Plessis had predicted. Strickland’s unorthodox style and lack of technical defense could have easily led to a different outcome, but the mental game also played a crucial part.

The Fight Breakdown: Strickland’s Mental Game and Du Plessis’ Prediction

In the fight with Adesanya, Strickland found success with his forward pressure and volume punches. His unrelenting attack made Adesanya uncomfortable, but there were moments when Strickland seemed to struggle with his defense and technical positioning. Strickland’s defense often left openings, and Adesanya did land several significant strikes that could have been costly had Strickland not been able to weather the storm.

Du Plessis, who has been making his own case for a title shot, noted Strickland’s tendency to leave himself open and be overly aggressive, which can leave him vulnerable to precise counterstrikes. “Strickland’s aggressive, but sometimes, that aggression can be a double-edged sword,” Du Plessis had warned. “Against a fighter like Adesanya, that’s a dangerous game to play.”

What Du Plessis predicted came to pass as Strickland’s victory was far from flawless. While Strickland did dominate in some areas, his lack of defense and technical adjustments seemed to be a glaring weakness that could easily be exposed by a fighter like Du Plessis or Adesanya in a future rematch. It was Strickland’s ability to absorb damage and keep pushing forward, rather than flawless technique, that won him the fight in the end.

What’s Next for Strickland?

Despite the criticism from Nicksick and Du Plessis’ accurate prediction, Strickland’s win over Adesanya put him at the top of the middleweight division. As the new middleweight champion, Strickland has proven that he can compete with the best, but there’s no question that he has areas of his game that need work. His mental approach and technical flaws will undoubtedly be exploited by future opponents, and Nicksick’s comments suggest that Strickland may need to make adjustments in his camp to stay at the top.

With a potential showdown against Du Plessis looming, Strickland will need to tighten up his defense and mental preparation. Du Plessis is a dangerous, well-rounded fighter who is capable of exploiting those flaws. If Strickland hopes to remain champion, he will need to learn from his past mistakes and improve his game for the challenges ahead.

Conclusion: Strickland’s Path Forward

Sean Strickland’s victory over Adesanya may have been a shocking moment in UFC history, but it’s clear that the road to maintaining his championship status will not be an easy one. With his coach’s critical remarks and Du Plessis’ forewarnings coming to light, Strickland must work on both his technical skills and his mental approach to the game. The middleweight division is as competitive as ever, and Strickland’s reign may be tested by the very flaws that nearly led to his downfall. Only time will tell if he can make the necessary adjustments to solidify his place among the greats in the UFC.