Joe Rogan’s Instant Reaction to Dricus du Plessis’ Historic Win
On Saturday evening, UFC 297 witnessed history as Dricus du Plessis became the first South African to claim a UFC championship belt. His victory over Sean Strickland in Toronto was a hard-fought battle, leaving both fighters with visible injuries.
The Bout: A Close Contest
Despite being undefeated in his UFC career, du Plessis faced a formidable opponent in Strickland, who had a three-fight winning streak. The fight lived up to expectations as both men landed significant blows, resulting in a swollen eye for du Plessis and blood leaking into Strickland’s eyes in the latter rounds.
Split Decision and Rogan’s Surprise
After a grueling contest, the judges ruled in favor of du Plessis, awarding him a narrow split decision (48-47). UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, who live-streamed the event, was visibly surprised by the outcome.
“Wow! Interesting, very interesting,” Rogan exclaimed. “I wonder how the people online feel about that.”
Drake’s Losing Bet
The fight also drew attention due to Canadian rapper Drake’s $700,000 bet on Strickland’s victory. Unfortunately for the Grammy winner, this bet marked another instance of his “curse” in UFC gambling, as he lost a substantial amount.
Du Plessis’ Future Prospects
With his victory, du Plessis has earned himself potential matchups against UFC stars Israel Adesnaya and Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back by defeating a top contender in the middleweight division.
Analysis
Du Plessis’ win was a significant moment for South African MMA. His victory proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. The fight was incredibly close, and it is understandable why Rogan was surprised by the outcome.
It is also interesting to note that Drake’s losing bet has become a running joke among UFC fans. His unsuccessful bets have drawn attention to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the high stakes involved in gambling on its outcomes.
As du Plessis moves forward in his UFC career, it will be fascinating to see how he fares against the division’s top fighters. Strickland, too, will have the opportunity to prove that he remains a contender in the middleweight title picture.
Conclusion
Dricus du Plessis’ historic victory at UFC 297 was a testament to his skill and perseverance. His win is a source of pride for South Africa and has sent shockwaves through the UFC community. With his future prospects bright, du Plessis is a fighter to watch in the years to come.
