ARTICLE AD BOX
It became clear yesterday that Sean Strickland cannot expect to succeed at the highest level using only his current techniques. His fight against Dricus Du Plessis was without much change and innovation, where the front direct and "teep" were almost the only shots that Strickland attempted. Such an approach led to the loss of every round in that match.
Strickland has to adjust his style
Strickland clearly needs to change his tactics if he wants to stay competitive in this sport. With his current style, he can hardly count on long-term success. Even the legendary Demetrious Johnson, who gave advice to Strickland through his YouTube channel, recognizes this. Johnson believes that Sean will have to change his fighting philosophy if he wants to progress in MMA.
"Sean Strickland has his way of fighting and he's not ready to deviate from it. But to become a better fighter in MMA, you have to put in the effort, lower your ego and open up to new ways of fighting. You have to be willing to learn and learn new skills," said Johnson.
"That's the only way you can become a better fighter. Otherwise, young fighters who are willing to put in the time to learn will always beat you," he added.
Strickland is 34 years old, and the question is how motivated he will be to change his fighting style, especially at this stage of his career. He may have only trained what he was good at, but now it seems his style has become predictable. Some fighters, like Dricus, have successfully adapted to his tactics, and that was clear last weekend.
It's obviously not easy for Strickland to give up his comfort zone, but perhaps now is the right time for him to recognize that he needs to change his approach to fighting in order to remain an important factor in the UFC.
English (US)