Dricus du Plessis Post-Fight Press Conference | UFC 297

Summary

UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira discusses his emotions after defeating Sean Strickland via split decision to win the title. He talks about the fight being very close and competitive, needing to make adjustments after losing the first round, proving doubters wrong about his cardio by fighting hard through all five rounds, and feeling he did enough to deserve the decision victory. Pereira also touches on wanting to bring a UFC event to South Africa, believing he can become South Africa's greatest fighter ever, and what an incredible moment it was to celebrate with his family in the Octagon after realizing his dream.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dern feels he did enough to win the close fight against Strickland but understands people will score it either way
• 👊 Dern adjusted his strategy after the first round to be more aggressive and go toe-to-toe with Strickland's boxing
• 🥊 Dern credits his coaches for having the right gameplan to deal with Strickland's strong jab
• 😎 Dern proved his gas tank and cardio by pushing hard through the championship rounds
• 🏆 Winning the title was emotional for Dern after 15 years of hard work and sacrifice to achieve this dream
• 🌍 Dern wants to bring a UFC event to South Africa to showcase the incredible energy and vibes from fans there
• 🇿🇦 Dern ranks his title win among the best accomplishments ever for a South African athlete
• 🤜 Dern aims to have a long championship reign and continue defending against worthy contenders
• 🍻 Dern plans to celebrate his big win in Toronto enjoying the food, parties and drinking beer
• 🥲 Sharing the title win moment with his family in the Octagon meant everything to Dern

Q & A

How did Paulo Costa feel when he heard his name announced as the new champion?

Paulo Costa said it felt incredible and surreal, like 15 years of hard work and sacrifice had finally paid off when he heard his name announced as the new champion.

What adjustments did Paulo Costa make after losing the first round to Sean Strickland?

After losing the first round, Paulo Costa said he realized he couldn't let Strickland get away with the jab. So in the third round, he started turning up the pace and fighting more aggressively in his own style.

How did Paulo Costa deal with having one eye swollen shut during the fight?

When one of Paulo Costa's eyes swelled completely shut for a period, he said it was the first time he couldn't see out of an eye during a fight. But his corner iced it between rounds to bring the swelling down quickly.

What gave Paulo Costa confidence going into the championship rounds?

Going into the 4th and 5th rounds, Paulo Costa felt great and told his corner he was going to prove a lot of people wrong about his cardio and gas tank.

How did Paulo Costa try to disrupt Sean Strickland's rhythm in the fight?

Paulo Costa used takedown attempts, even unsuccessful ones, to disrupt Sean Strickland's rhythm and boxing gameplan. He wasn't necessarily trying to complete the takedowns.

What adjustments did Paulo Costa's coaches make to deal with Strickland's jab?

Paulo Costa's coaches studied Strickland's previous fights and felt timing kicks would be an effective way to counter the jab. The body kicks started landing clean in the 3rd round.

How did Paulo Costa feel about going the full 25 minutes in a close fight?

Paulo Costa was happy to go the full 25 minutes, feeling it proved he has the cardio and gas tank to fight at championship pace for 5 rounds.

What was Paulo Costa's message to fans who thought he lost the fight?

When asked about fans who thought he lost, Paulo Costa essentially said the judges disagreed and he felt he did enough in a very close fight to deserve the win.

What does Paulo Costa want his UFC championship reign to look like?

Paulo Costa said he wants to take on all deserving contenders as champion. He doesn't want easy fights just to pad his title defense record.

What did it mean for Paulo Costa to have his family in his corner for the title fight?

Having his parents and brothers in his corner meant everything to Paulo Costa. He had promised his dad as a teenager he would one day win a UFC title for them.