Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 2: The Heated Rivalry Continues at UFC 312

The rivalry between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland has evolved into one of the most captivating narratives in the UFC’s middleweight division. As they prepare for their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday (Sunday morning SA time) in Sydney, Australia, we delve into the key events that have intensified their rivalry. Betting markets for UFC 312 are now available, with Dricus as the favourite.

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Press Conference Exchanges Leading Up to UFC 297

In the lead-up to their initial encounter at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland engaged in a heated press conference that intensified their rivalry. Strickland, known for his provocative and outspoken personality, directed a series of personal attacks towards Du Plessis. He criticised Du Plessis for previously declining a short-notice title shot due to injury. Strickland further escalated the tension with derogatory remarks, including a homophobic slur, which prompted UFC CEO Dana White to intervene and steer the conversation back on track.

Du Plessis responded to Strickland’s provocations with a composed demeanour, aiming to turn Strickland’s aggression against him. He remarked, “Bro, why are you so angry? You think your dad beat the s*** out of you? Your dad doesn’t have s*** on me. I’m going to show you what it’s like to beat you. Every childhood memory you have is going to come back when I’m in there with you.” This comment appeared to strike a nerve, as it seemed to have gotten a reaction out of the American.

The press conference highlighted the personal animosity between the two fighters, setting the stage for a highly anticipated and emotionally charged bout at UFC 297.

The Inception of the Rivalry

The tension between Du Plessis and Strickland became publicly evident during UFC 296 on December 16, 2023. Both fighters were in attendance, seated in close proximity—a decision orchestrated by UFC President Dana White. A verbal exchange escalated into a physical altercation, with Strickland initiating contact. The incident was swiftly contained, but it set the stage for their subsequent encounters.

First Showdown: UFC 297

On January 20, 2024, at UFC 297 in Toronto, Du Plessis challenged Strickland for the UFC Middleweight Championship. The bout was a gruelling five-round battle, culminating in a split-decision victory for Du Plessis. This win not only earned him the championship belt but also marked him as the first UFC champion from South Africa. The fight was lauded for its intensity and was awarded the Fight of the Night bonus.

Post-Fight Dynamics and Title Defenses

Following his championship victory, Du Plessis successfully defended his title against former two-time champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 on August 18, 2024. He secured a submission win via face crank in the fourth round, handing Adesanya his first career submission loss.

Strickland, determined to reclaim the title, secured a notable victory over Paulo Costa in June 2024, positioning himself for a rematch. His outspoken nature and persistent callouts kept the rivalry in the spotlight, with both fighters engaging in verbal exchanges through various media platforms.

Anticipation for the Rematch: UFC 312

As UFC 312 approaches, the anticipation for the rematch has reached a fever pitch. Du Plessis has expressed a preference for facing other contenders, labelling Strickland’s fighting style as “super boring.” Nevertheless, he remains focused on demonstrating his growth since their last encounter.

Strickland, on the other hand, has been vocal about his desire for an all-stand-up fight, challenging Du Plessis to avoid wrestling. He has also enlisted the support of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira as a cornerman for the upcoming bout, adding another layer of intrigue to the rematch.