Dricus Du Plessis is still the best Middleweight King

The world of MMA witnessed yet another jaw-dropping moment at UFC 312 when Dricus du Plessis defended his middleweight crown in a dominant, strategic fight against the ever-resilient Sean Strickland. The highly anticipated rematch kept fans on the edge of their seats and solidified du Plessis’s place as one of the most dangerous and well-rounded fighters in the UFC. But what really happened during this intense five-round battle? How did du Plessis manage to break down Strickland’s renowned defense, and what does the future hold for these two warriors?

Let’s break down the fight, the key moments, and what this victory means for du Plessis’s legacy in the middleweight division.

Fight Recap: How Du Plessis Dominated the Cage

From the moment the cage door closed, it was clear that this rematch was going to be a tactical chess match. Sean Strickland, known for his defensive prowess, tight guard, and exceptional jab, had a point to prove after losing their first encounter. Meanwhile, Dricus du Plessis, riding high on a string of victories, was determined to show that his first win was no fluke.

Round 1: Feeling Out the Opposition

The first round saw both fighters adopting cautious approaches, each looking to gauge their opponent’s strategy. Strickland worked behind his jab, attempting to establish range and control the pace of the fight. However, du Plessis was quick to respond, mixing in powerful low kicks to disrupt Strickland’s rhythm.

This round was a tactical stalemate, with neither fighter landing anything significant, but it was evident that du Plessis had plans to test Strickland’s footwork and defensive movement.

Round 2: Du Plessis Steps Up the Pressure

The second round is where things began to shift in du Plessis’s favor. He started increasing his output, throwing combinations and attacking Strickland’s lead leg with more intensity. His strategy was simple but effective: force Strickland onto the back foot, pressure him against the cage, and look for openings to land his overhand right.

Strickland, though still composed, struggled to find his own offensive rhythm. While his defense remained tight, his lack of activity made it difficult to sway the judges in his favor.

Round 3: Tactical Adjustments and a Crucial Takedown

In the third round, du Plessis truly began to assert his dominance. He landed a key takedown midway through the round, briefly putting Strickland on his back. Though Strickland managed to scramble back to his feet, the takedown sent a clear message: du Plessis was in control of both the striking and grappling exchanges.

By this point, Strickland’s nose had already begun to show signs of damage, a harbinger of what was to come later in the fight.

Round 4: The Game-Changer – A Broken Nose

The turning point of the fight came in the fourth round, when du Plessis landed a devastating overhand right that fractured Strickland’s nose. The impact was immediate and gruesome—blood began to pour from Strickland’s face, and his breathing was visibly compromised.

Despite the injury, Strickland showed incredible toughness, continuing to press forward and throw counters. However, the damage was done. Du Plessis took full advantage, using feints, jabs, and leg kicks to keep Strickland on the defensive.

Round 5: Closing the Show

With the fight firmly in his grasp, du Plessis sought to finish the bout in the final round. He pushed the pace, landing a series of hard shots that nearly forced the referee to step in. Strickland, battered but unbroken, managed to survive until the final bell, but it was clear to everyone watching that du Plessis had done enough to secure the victory.

Post-Fight Analysis: What Made Du Plessis So Effective?

Du Plessis’s victory wasn’t just about landing a few big shots—it was the result of a well-executed game plan that targeted Strickland’s weaknesses while minimizing his own risks.

Here’s what worked so well for du Plessis:

1. Superior Activity and Output

One of the biggest criticisms of Sean Strickland’s fighting style has been his relatively low output. In both this fight and his previous loss to Jared Cannonier, Strickland struggled to throw enough strikes to convincingly win rounds. Du Plessis exploited this flaw by staying busy and constantly attacking, even when many of his punches missed.

In the close middle rounds (Rounds 2 and 3), this increased activity likely swayed the judges in his favor.

2. Effective Leg Kicks

Du Plessis’s leg kicks were a key part of his strategy. By targeting Strickland’s lead leg, he disrupted his balance and limited his ability to move laterally. This, in turn, made it easier for du Plessis to close the distance and land his power shots.

3. Takedown Threats

Although du Plessis didn’t rely heavily on wrestling, the mere threat of a takedown was enough to keep Strickland guessing. His successful takedown in the third round was a reminder that he’s a well-rounded fighter capable of mixing things up.

4. Capitalizing on Damage

Once Strickland’s nose was broken, du Plessis wasted no time in exploiting the injury. He targeted Strickland’s compromised breathing by increasing his output and pressuring him against the cage, making it even harder for Strickland to recover.

What’s Next for Dricus du Plessis?

With this victory, du Plessis has solidified his status as the top middleweight in the UFC. The question now is: who’s next?

Potential Matchups

1. Israel Adesanya
   Du Plessis wasted no time in calling out former champion Israel Adesanya after the fight, declaring: “Get your ass back in the UFC so we can settle the score!” A fight between du Plessis and Adesanya would be a blockbuster event, especially given their past trash talk and contrasting fighting styles.

2. Khamzat Chimaev
   Another intriguing option is a fight against rising star Khamzat Chimaev, who has been making waves in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Chimaev’s aggressive grappling style would present a unique challenge for du Plessis.

3. Jared Cannonier
   If Adesanya and Chimaev are unavailable, a rematch with Jared Cannonier could also be on the table. Cannonier’s power and experience make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

Sean Strickland: Where Does He Go from Here?

Despite the loss, Sean Strickland remains a top contender in the middleweight division. His toughness and defensive skills are undeniable, but he’ll need to address his low output and lack of offensive diversity if he wants to reclaim his spot as a title challenger.

Some potential next steps for Strickland include:

• A rematch with Jared Cannonier, who narrowly defeated him in a close split decision.
• A fight against Paulo Costa, which would be a fan-friendly brawl with serious implications for the middleweight rankings.
• A move to light heavyweight, where his size and durability could make him a formidable contender.

Final Thoughts: Du Plessis’s Star Continues to Rise

Dricus du Plessis’s performance at UFC 312 wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. By outclassing Sean Strickland and showcasing his versatility, du Plessis has proven that he’s not just a champion, but a legitimate threat to anyone in the middleweight division.

As the UFC’s middleweight landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: with fighters like du Plessis leading the charge, the future of the division is brighter—and more unpredictable—than ever.