Dricus du Plessis Defeats Sean
By Sello Masilo
Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC Middleweight Championship against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, securing a unanimous decision victory in a thrilling five-round fight. The highly anticipated rematch took place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on 8 February 2025. With this victory, du Plessis further cemented his status as the undisputed middleweight champion and one of the most dominant fighters in the division.
Dominant Performance: Du Plessis Overcomes Strickland
The fight began with a measured pace, as Strickland utilized his lead jab to control the distance while du Plessis mixed in his powerful low kicks and unpredictable movement. Strickland’s defensive boxing style was on display early, but du Plessis quickly found his rhythm, landing heavy overhand rights that forced Strickland to adjust.
In round three, the South African champion executed a takedown, momentarily gaining control on the ground before Strickland scrambled back to his feet. As the fight progressed, du Plessis increased the pressure, connecting with damaging right hands and body shots that visibly slowed Strickland down.
The turning point came in the fourth round, when du Plessis landed a brutal overhand right that broke Strickland’s nose, causing severe bleeding. Despite Strickland’s resilience, du Plessis continued his offensive onslaught, showcasing his well-rounded striking game and relentless forward pressure.
By the end of the fight, all three judges scored the contest in favor of du Plessis:
• 50-45
• 50-45
• 49-46
His unanimous decision victory demonstrated his superior striking, pressure, and durability, proving that his previous title win over Strickland was no fluke.
Post-Fight Reactions and Callouts
Following his victory, du Plessis took the microphone to address the crowd and potential future challengers. Speaking to the media, he said:
“I told everyone I was the real champion. I just went five rounds with one of the toughest guys in the division, and I dominated. Who’s next?”He then called out Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira, suggesting that he was ready to take on the next big challenge in his career.
“Chimaev, Pereira—I don’t care. If you want this belt, come and take it. I’m here to fight the best.”Strickland’s Response
Sean Strickland, though visibly disappointed, showed respect for du Plessis in his post-fight interview. He acknowledged the South African’s superior game plan and execution but remained determined to work his way back to another title shot.
“Dricus fought a smart fight. He broke my nose, and I couldn’t see properly after that. But no excuses, he deserved to win. I’ll be back.”Du Plessis Breaks Records
With this victory, Dricus du Plessis not only retained his championship but also set new UFC records:
• Most significant strikes landed in a UFC middleweight title fight
• Longest winning streak in the middleweight division (active fighters)
• First South African fighter to successfully defend a UFC title
His relentless pace and striking accuracy were praised by UFC analysts, with many calling it his best performance to date.
Fans and Analysts React
The fight generated massive reactions from fans and analysts on social media. UFC commentator Daniel Cormier hailed du Plessis’ performance, stating:
“That was a championship-level performance. Du Plessis showed toughness, skill, and composure. He’s the real deal.”On X (formerly Twitter), UFC fans and fighters reacted:
• @mmafighting: “Dricus du Plessis just dominated Sean Strickland! That right hand was NASTY!”
• @TheNotoriousMMA (Conor McGregor): “That was a champion’s performance from du Plessis. Respect!”
• @talkSPORT: “Strickland’s face says it all. Du Plessis came to FIGHT.”
UFC 312: Full Results
Aside from the du Plessis vs. Strickland showdown, UFC 312 featured several exciting fights, including:
• Zhang Weili def. Tatiana Suarez (Unanimous Decision – Women’s Strawweight Title)
• Tai Tuivasa def. Serghei Spivac (KO – Heavyweight Bout)
• Alexander Volkanovski def. Movsar Evloev (Split Decision – Featherweight Contender Bout)
What’s Next for Dricus du Plessis?
With Strickland now behind him, du Plessis’ next opponent remains uncertain, but two potential names stand out:
1. Khamzat Chimaev – The undefeated Russian-Swedish star has been calling for a title shot and is currently on a dominant winning streak.
2. Alex Pereira – The former UFC Middleweight Champion has moved up to light heavyweight but could return for a blockbuster fight.
UFC President Dana White spoke about du Plessis’ next fight, stating:
“Dricus looked incredible tonight. We’ll see what’s next, but there are a lot of interesting options. Fans will love what’s coming.”🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 091 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ndlozi on Ramaphosa: “He’s Not What We Were Told” – A Surprising Change in Tone”
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