Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Sean Strickland after UFC 297 title loss?
(ALSO SEE: Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Dricus Du Plessis after UFC 297 title win?)
Sean Strickland’s time as middleweight champion was brought to a halt just over four months after it began when he dropped the strap to Dricus Du Plessis in Saturday’s UFC 297 main event.
Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) lost a hotly debated split decision to Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and now it remains to be seen if his place at the top was merely a one-off, or if he can reassert himself there again.
What’s the best path forward for Strickland after UFC CEO Dana White already ruled out an immediate rematch? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future after UFC 297.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.
dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-media-day
Share this
image
gallery
ufc-297-media-day-sean-strickland
Sean Strickland at UFC 297 media day.
Share this
image
gallery
ufc-297-media-day-sean-strickland-1
Share this
image
gallery
ufc-297-press-conference-screenshot-sean-strickland
Share this
image
gallery
sean strickland dricus du plessis ufc 297 press conference handshake
Share this
image
gallery
sean strickland dricus du plessis ufc 297 press conference faceoff2
Share this
image
gallery
dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins-1
Share this
image
gallery
dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins-2
Share this
image
gallery
dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins-3
Share this
image
gallery
dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins-4
Share this
image
gallery
dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins
Share this
image
gallery
sean-strickland-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins-1
Share this
image
gallery
sean-strickland-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins-2
Share this
image
gallery
sean-strickland-ufc-297-official-weigh-ins
Share this
image
gallery
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in
Share this
image
gallery
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in
Share this
image
gallery
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Share this
image
gallery
sean-strickland-dricus-du-plessis-ufc-297-ceremonial-weigh-ins-faceoff-
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
Share this
image
gallery
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in
Share this
image
gallery
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff
Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Share this
image
gallery
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Sean Strickland UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves)…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Sean Strickland (red glove) fights Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red glove) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red glove) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red glove) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
UFC 297 Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland video
Share this
image
gallery
MMA: UFC 297 - Strickland vs Du Plessis
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red…
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red glove) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Dricus Du Plessis def. Sean Strickland, UFC 297 Scorecard
Share this
image
gallery
