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Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2: A Detailed Look at the Scorecards and the Fight's Aftermath

The highly anticipated rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Robert Whittaker ended with a controversial split decision victory for Du Plessis. This fight, a middleweight clash at UFC 290, ignited heated debates among fans and experts alike, prompting a deep dive into the individual scorecards and the overall judging process. This article will analyze the scorecards from the three judges and explore the reasons behind the controversy.

Understanding the Scorecards: A Judge-by-Judge Breakdown

The judges' scorecards often tell a story different from what the viewers perceive, and this fight was no exception. Let's dissect each scorecard individually:

Judge 1: Du Plessis 48-47

This judge saw Du Plessis winning the fight by a single point. This suggests a closely contested fight where the majority of rounds were deemed very close. They likely favored Du Plessis' more aggressive and powerful striking throughout the fight, possibly giving him the edge in crucial moments. The effectiveness of Du Plessis' takedowns may have also influenced their decision.

Judge 2: Du Plessis 48-47

Similar to Judge 1, this judge also awarded the victory to Du Plessis by a slim margin. This highlights a pattern where many scoring systems saw the fight very close. Again, the judge may have favored Du Plessis' aggression and power in some rounds.

Judge 3: Strickland 48-47

This scorecard differs from the previous two, awarding the victory to Strickland. This discrepancy emphasizes the highly contested nature of the fight and brings into question some of the scoring criteria used. It suggests a different interpretation of the fight's momentum and impact, potentially weighing Strickland's control of the clinch or his consistent, though perhaps less powerful, striking more heavily.

The Controversy Surrounding the Verdict

The split decision ignited a firestorm of debate online. Many fans and analysts felt that Strickland was the more deserving victor, pointing to his superior striking accuracy and control of significant portions of the fight. The discrepancy in the scorecards underscores the subjective nature of judging MMA fights. It highlights the difficulty in quantifying and comparing the different aspects of combat, such as takedowns vs. striking, ground control vs. damage, and the overall fight tempo.

Key Points of Contention

• Ground Control vs. Striking: Du Plessis secured several takedowns, but Strickland effectively escaped and consistently landed strikes. The judges likely had different valuations of each fighter's success in their respective disciplines.
• Significant Strikes vs. Damage: The number of significant strikes landed could have been interpreted differently. While Strickland might have landed more strikes, Du Plessis' strikes were clearly harder and more impactful in the estimation of two judges.
• Fight Pace and Momentum: The overall pace and momentum of the fight could have swayed the judges. Rounds where Du Plessis initiated strong offensive exchanges might have been weighed more heavily than rounds where Strickland controlled distance and pace.

The Impact of the Decision

The contentious outcome of the fight has significant consequences. It reignites the debate about the consistency and objectivity of MMA judging. It also further solidifies Du Plessis' position within the UFC middleweight rankings.

Further research and analysis are needed to determine why there was such a large divergence in how the judges scored this bout. This discrepancy is a useful learning point for both judges and fans, emphasizing the subjectivity of MMA scoring and the need for continuous improvement in judging criteria.

Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers

The Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 scorecards tell a story of a close, hotly contested fight with significant implications for the fighters and the sport itself. The controversy highlights the inherent complexities in judging MMA and underscores the importance of clear and consistent scoring criteria to improve transparency and fairness in future competitions. Ultimately, the debate continues – who truly won the fight?

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