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Sean Strickland Doesn't Get Staph, He Gives It
The tension between former middleweight champion Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis hit a boiling point ahead of their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia. Du Plessis stirred the pot on social media, insinuating that Strickland might be carrying a staph infection into their fight. But Strickland, never one to shy away from a verbal war, responded with a characteristic mix of humor and bravado.
On Wednesday, du Plessis posted a side-by-side comparison of Strickland from their previous encounter and his current fight week appearance, quipping, “What? He grew taller and added staph infection to his arsenal. Oh shit.” The jab quickly gained traction online, leading to speculation about Strickland’s health heading into the rematch.
When asked directly about the allegations during the UFC 312 pre-fight press conference, Strickland delivered a fiery response that left no room for doubt.
“Listen you motherfckers, I’m immune to staph,” Strickland shouted. “You see this fcking mustache? I give staph, I don’t fcking get staph. Calm the fck down. I don’t get sick. I don’t get fcking injured, and I don’t get fcking staph. So relax.”
What Is Staph, and Why Is It a Big Deal in MMA?
For the uninitiated, staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which are commonly found on the skin. These infections can range from minor boils to severe, life-threatening complications if the bacteria spread to the bloodstream, lungs, or other vital organs. Fighters, due to the close-contact nature of their training, are particularly vulnerable to contracting and spreading staph. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which can temporarily hinder an athlete’s performance.
While concerns about a fighter’s health are valid, Strickland’s response made it clear that he’s not dealing with any such issues. His focus is entirely on Saturday’s rematch and settling the score with du Plessis.
Ready to Rumble
Far from being derailed by the accusations, Strickland appears laser-focused and more motivated than ever. Addressing his upcoming performance, Strickland promised to bring an intensity that fans—and his opponent—won’t forget.
“I’m going to be out there on Sunday and I’m going to come out fcking hard and strong,” Strickland said. “The hardest and strongest you’ve ever fcking seen. To the f*cking death, Dutchman!”
The animosity between Strickland and du Plessis adds an extra layer of drama to an already explosive main event. Their rematch at UFC 312 promises to be a war, with both fighters eager to leave no doubt about who is the superior middleweight.
The Final Showdown
As fight night approaches, one thing is certain: Sean Strickland is healthy, ready, and not backing down. Whether du Plessis’ mind games have any impact remains to be seen, but Strickland’s confidence is unshakable. For fans, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to one of the most heated rivalries in the division.
Tune in Saturday to witness the fireworks as Strickland and du Plessis settle their differences once and for all. FIGHT.TV is here for it!