Dricus Du Plessis criticizes Sean Strickland: “He’s just talking, I’m the one who fights”

The UFC middleweight division has always been one of the most competitive and thrilling weight classes, packed with elite fighters battling for supremacy. Among them, Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) has rapidly made a name for himself, especially after securing the championship by defeating Sean Strickland.

However, their rivalry didn’t end inside the Octagon. Following their heated clash, Du Plessis publicly criticized Strickland, calling him a “fake tough guy” and dismissing any possibility of an alliance between them.

Du Plessis Criticizes Strickland’s Fighting Style

In a recent statement, Du Plessis didn’t hold back when analyzing Strickland’s performance, arguing that the former champion was far less aggressive than he claimed to be.

“He says, ‘Fight to the death,’ but I was the one pushing forward for 23 out of the 25 minutes. And him? Just jabs and teeps…”

From this remark, it’s clear that Du Plessis wasn’t impressed with Strickland’s approach. According to him, Strickland relied too much on basic strikes like jabs and teep kicks to maintain distance rather than pressing forward for a real fight.

This criticism not only targets Strickland’s technique but also suggests that he wasn’t truly willing to “go to war” as he often claims.

“I Didn’t Come Here to Make Friends—I Came to Win”

Beyond criticizing Strickland’s performance, Du Plessis also dismissed any talk of an alliance between them, something Strickland had recently mentioned.

“Now he’s talking about ‘making a pact’ together? What pact? We all saw what happened last time. I didn’t come here to make friends—I came to win.”

Clearly, Du Plessis has no interest in forming any kind of partnership with Strickland. His focus is solely on staying at the top and defending his title against the toughest contenders.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland: A Heated Rivalry

Their first encounter at UFC 297 was a defining moment in the middleweight division. Strickland entered the fight as the champion after dethroning Israel Adesanya, and he was confident about defending his belt.

However, Du Plessis dominated large portions of the fight, pushing the pace and proving himself the more aggressive and well-rounded fighter. The judges awarded him the victory via decision, making him the new UFC middleweight champion.

Following the loss, Strickland disputed the result, claiming he had done enough to win, while Du Plessis remained firm that the decision was justified.

UFC 312: The Rematch Everyone Was Waiting For

After their intense first fight, tensions remained high. Fans and analysts speculated about a rematch, and UFC delivered by scheduling their second fight at UFC 312 on February 8, 2024, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

How the Fight Played Out

Once again, Du Plessis showcased his dominance. He controlled most of the fight, applying relentless pressure and using a more diverse striking arsenal. Strickland tried to counter, but he struggled to keep up with the South African’s pace and power.

After five rounds, Du Plessis secured another decision victory, with the judges scoring it 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46 in his favor. He successfully defended his title and cemented his place as the top fighter in the division.

Post-Fight Reactions

Following the fight, Du Plessis didn’t just defend his title—he sent a powerful message to his rivals:

“I’m the number one, and I’m aiming for greatness.”

Meanwhile, Strickland faced heavy criticism, even from his own camp. His coach, Eric Nicksick, described the performance as “uninspired” and suggested that Strickland needed to make major improvements to stay in title contention.

What’s Next for Dricus Du Plessis?

While Du Plessis enjoys his reign as champion, he doesn’t have much time to relax—several dangerous contenders are eyeing his title.

Khamzat Chimaev: The biggest threat?

The most immediate challenge appears to be Khamzat Chimaev, an undefeated wrecking machine who has been demanding a title shot. Many believe Chimaev’s elite wrestling and relentless aggression could be a nightmare for Du Plessis.

Other Rising Contenders

Besides Chimaev, the middleweight division is packed with rising stars:

• Nassourdine Imavov: A well-rounded fighter climbing the ranks quickly.
• Caio Borralho: An exciting prospect with a strong ground game.
• Gregory Rodrigues is a dangerous finisher who recently stated that Du Plessis won’t hold onto the belt for long.

Rodrigues boldly predicted:

“I don’t know if DDP has what it takes to hold onto the belt long-term. This division is evolving fast. So many great fighters are coming up—including me.”

If Du Plessis wants to remain champion, he will need to prove himself against these hungry contenders who are all eager to take his spot.

Does Sean Strickland Have a Path Back to the Title?

After losing twice to Du Plessis, Strickland’s chances for an immediate rematch are slim. However, he remains a tough competitor with a unique style that can trouble many opponents.

To earn another shot at the belt, Strickland will likely need to defeat top contenders like:

• Jared Cannonier is a former title challenger with knockout power.
• Robert Whittaker: The former champion still remains an elite force.
• Paulo Costa is a dangerous striker who can test anyone in the division.

Du Plessis made his stance clear:

“I’ve beaten him twice. If he wants another shot, he needs to prove he deserves it.”

This means Strickland must rebuild his momentum with dominant performances before he can demand another title fight.

Final Thoughts

The rivalry between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland may be settled in the Octagon, but their war of words continues. With Du Plessis standing firm as the undisputed champion, the middleweight division is heating up with dangerous challengers all aiming for the throne.

Will Du Plessis continue his reign, or will a rising star like Chimaev, Imavov, or Rodrigues dethrone him? And can Strickland find a way back to the top?

All eyes are on the UFC’s upcoming events to find out!