Sean Strickland’s performance in his UFC 312 middleweight title rematch against Dricus Du Plessis drew criticism from fans, analysts, and his own coach.
Eric Nicksick, appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, described the showing as “uninspired” and questioned Strickland’s approach.
Strickland later responded, revealing struggles in his training camp while vowing to return stronger.
Strickland failed to find his rhythm in his five-round decision loss to Du Plessis at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia.
The former champion struggled to make adjustments, with coach Eric Nicksick expressing frustration over his lack of urgency.
“I was just uninspired fighting, to me. It just seemed like he was sleepwalking,” Nicksick said. “I didn’t feel like he was in it the way he usually is.”
Nicksick urged Strickland to take risks during the fight, but the 33-year-old stuck to a cautious game plan.
“You have to mix it up,” Nicksick added. “Just jabbing and teeping your way to a comeback win wasn’t going to work.”
Strickland later responded in a video, admitting he had a difficult training camp but refusing to make excuses.
He revealed he had been dealing with a staph infection, a broken arm, and visa issues leading up to the fight.
“That entire fight camp was just a struggle,” Strickland said. “But opportunity never comes when it’s supposed to. Sometimes, you just have to sack up and go for it.”
Despite the setback, Strickland made it clear he is not stepping away from the sport. “I love fighting,” he said. “I’m going back in the gym, working my ass off, and starting from square one.”
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