Sean Strickland’s coach Eric Nicksick has remained classy in defeat after losing the middleweight title to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 on Saturday night, congratulating the South African on his victory even though he felt his man had done enough to retain the belt.
“Congratulations to @dricusduplessis and his team,” Nicksick wrote on Instagram. “I never met a more classy opposing fighter during fight week, along with the skills to back it up. I’m happy for you, your team, and your country, you made them proud.
“The fight was close. Close fights mean we needed to win the optics battle. Live, I had us winning 1,2, & 5, but all that matters are the 3 cage side. I’ll watch it again, to see where we/I can be better. Much love to everyone who supported us. On to the next!! #TTD ⚡”
Du Plessis has since responded to Nicksick, and it seems the respect he’s been shown by him is mutual.
“Thank you so much for the kind words coach, you and the team are incredible and it was an honour to battle the best in the business,” Du Plessis replied. “Thank you for the war and the true warrior like respect before and after the war.”
