Dricus Du Plessis has expressed his disagreement with the notion that his previous match against Sean Strickland should have ended as a split decision. However, he recognizes that he had to fight hard to secure that victory over a year ago for the middleweight title. Now, as they prepare to face off again at UFC 312 on Sunday in Sydney, Du Plessis emphasizes his desire to avoid leaving the outcome in the hands of judges, comparing a split decision to a coin toss that could easily swing in the opposite direction.
“We were fortunate to get the split decision,” the champion stated. “If not, we wouldn’t be here in this position. I am thrilled to have this fight, as I was actively seeking it.” In the co-main event, China’s Zhang Weili (25-3) is set to defend her strawweight title against top contender Tatiana Suarez (11-0) from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Zhang has successfully defended her championship three times, claiming two victories by unanimous decision and the other by a second-round submission.
Du Plessis, aged 31, is entering the octagon for his second title defense with a record of 22-2, and he is favored at -210 according to BetMGM Sportsbook. His last fight resulted in a standout fourth-round submission win against Israel Adesanya on August 17 in Perth, Australia. Strickland (29-6) is not only seeking revenge but also aiming to reclaim his championship belt. Despite being the top-ranked challenger, his recent remarks during a news conference left a sour taste, as he questioned the laws of Australia and made several derogatory comments.
“I would like to classify Australians as English white trash, along with some Irish folks,” Strickland remarked. “As someone who identifies as American white trash, I find common ground with you (expletive).” The Daily Telegraph even featured a large image of Strickland on its back page, labeling him with a headline urging someone to “knock this guy out.”
Du Plessis is prepared to give everything he has against Strickland, who will celebrate his 34th birthday on February 27. However, if their last encounter is anything to go by, an early submission appears unlikely. That fight marked the only instance since Du Plessis joined the UFC in 2020 that he reached the fifth round.
“Proving to myself that I can go five rounds in a battle like that was significant,” Du Plessis explained. “It’s simple to talk about it or practice during training, but executing it in the octagon against a world-class opponent is a different challenge.” He anticipates that this upcoming fight won’t mirror their previous meeting, as both fighters will make necessary adjustments.
The buildup to their first fight was charged with tension and personal animosity, with both fighters even exchanging blows at another UFC event just a month prior. This time, however, Du Plessis has taken a more respectful approach towards Strickland, who has toned down his trash-talking as well. “I regard Strickland as the second-best middleweight in the world right now, right behind me, and he rightfully deserves this opportunity,” Du Plessis stated. “I recognize his immense skills—he’s exceptional defensively. He’s tough and difficult to hit, and when you do land a shot, it doesn’t affect him like it would on most fighters. He is an apex predator, making this the toughest fight of my life, but I’m prepared because I consider myself an apex predator too, and he’s stepping into my territory.”
