The UFC middleweight championship changed hands once again, after Dricus Du Plessis claimed the belt via split decision.
The South African was announced as champion after a marathon five-round fight that went to the finish.
Du Plessis won the belt from Strickland, who was trying to defend his title for the first time after winning it from Israel Adesanya last September.
The new champion wasted no time in calling Adesanya, imploring his former rival to return to the UFC so he could resolve his issue.
Du Plessis defeats Strickland to win middleweight belt
Du Plessis was visibly emotional after the fight, asking for his South African flag and praising his opponent for a hard-fought effort.
Ironically, he also credited Strickland for doing everything he had to do to sell the fight, just days after the American went viral for his press conference.
“I can tell you right now, South Africa, yes [the crowd] goes silent, we can probably hear them from outside,” Du Plessis said.
“That country is amazing, thank you South Africa, this is history.
“I felt like it was a very close fight… the first three rounds were so-so, but the last two rounds I know that [I won]Who says this guy isn’t a five-round fighter?
“He has a super, super strong jab, it’s almost like he doesn’t open his hands, every time he hits you with that jab it’s like someone hit you with a rock.
“Sean Strickland, you’re a great man, thank you for bringing out the best in me, thank you for doing what you had to do, to entertain the fans, you came here tonight and we kept it professional.”
The South African was also quick to turn to another former champion, asking Adesanya to finally step into the octagon together.
“Israel Adesanya, come back to the UFC so we can settle the score,” Du Plessis said.
