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Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 1 captivated the MMA world with their war at UFC 297, a contest many have called Fight of the Year. In that bout, du Plessis narrowly defeated Strickland via split decision to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship. While the South African walked away with the belt, the result sparked heated debates among fans and pundits. Strickland appeared to dominate the standup exchanges, landing clean strikes and controlling the striking pace, but du Plessis showcased his physicality by controlling the clinch and pressing Strickland against the cage for extended periods.
Fast forward almost a year, and these two elite middleweights are set to run it back in Australia at UFC 312, marking the beginning of 2025 with fireworks. This rematch carries not only championship stakes but also personal animosity, as du Plessis looks to silence any doubts while Strickland seeks redemption.
The Aftermath of UFC 297: A Fight for the Record Books
In their first encounter, the judges’ split decision ignited controversy. Strickland's crisp boxing and effective counterpunching seemed to give him the edge in striking, with many fans believing he had done enough to win. However, du Plessis' relentless pressure in the clinch and ability to neutralize Strickland's offense against the cage swayed the judges in his favor.
Reflecting on that fight, Strickland was vocal in criticizing the judging, claiming he had clearly won the striking exchanges. Despite the loss, he quickly returned to action, earning his rematch by outworking Paulo Costa at UFC 302. Meanwhile, du Plessis solidified his place at the top of the division with a stunning submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.
Du Plessis’ Message: No More Debates
As UFC 312 approaches, du Plessis has made it clear that he doesn’t intend to leave the result up to interpretation this time. In a bold statement on X, he promised, “This time they won’t call it a robbery, they’ll call it attempted murder.” This declaration suggests a more aggressive strategy from the South African champion, who intends to end the fight decisively and put an exclamation mark on their rivalry.
This promise from du Plessis echoes Strickland's own pre-UFC 297 rhetoric, where he famously vowed to “fight to the death.” The irony isn’t lost on fans, as both fighters now approach their rematch with similar attitudes of brutal finality.
Khamzat Chimaev Looms Over the Middleweight Division
Adding intrigue to the rematch is the looming presence of Khamzat Chimaev, who has solidified his position as a top contender with emphatic wins over Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. While du Plessis initially targeted Chimaev as his preferred opponent after UFC 305, Strickland earned the rematch by defeating Costa. Chimaev now waits in the wings, poised to challenge the winner of du Plessis vs. Strickland 2.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the middleweight division has entered a new era. Du Plessis has proven his mettle with victories over top names like Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Whittaker, while Strickland remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
A Clash of Styles and Bad Blood - Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland
Du Plessis and Strickland represent contrasting styles. Strickland’s technical striking and high fight IQ clash with du Plessis’ raw power and relentless pressure. Their first fight highlighted these differences, and their rematch promises to bring even more drama. With du Plessis motivated to finish the fight and Strickland eager to prove his superiority, the middleweight division is set for another unforgettable showdown.
As the countdown to UFC 312 begins, fans are bracing for a classic. Whether it’s du Plessis’ aggression or Strickland’s precision that prevails, the fight world will witness the final chapter of one of the sport's most captivating rivalries.
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