Lookback the way Dricus Du Plessis silences doubters two times as destroying Sean Strickland both at UFC 297 & UFC 312

Dricus Du Plessis continues to prove that he belongs at the top of the UFC middleweight division. At UFC 312, the South African fighter successfully defended his championship against Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated rematch. This fight was more than just a title defense—it was a statement. After their controversial first encounter at UFC 297, Strickland had openly criticized Du Plessis for his reliance on wrestling and challenged him to a stand-up fight in their rematch. The champion accepted the challenge, showcasing impressive striking skills and relentless pressure across five rounds to earn a dominant unanimous decision victory.

A Heated Rivalry: The Build-Up to UFC 312

UFC 297: The Controversial First Fight

The rivalry between Du Plessis and Strickland began a year prior at UFC 297, where the two fought for the UFC Middleweight Championship. The fight was closely contested, with Du Plessis winning via split decision. However, the result was met with controversy, as many believed Strickland had done enough to win.

Adding fuel to the fire, Strickland criticized Du Plessis’ approach, calling him “scared” for relying on six takedowns throughout the fight. Strickland demanded that the champion engage in a pure striking battle if they ever met again. Du Plessis, never one to back down from a challenge, accepted Strickland’s terms—setting the stage for their rematch at UFC 312.

Fight Night: The Atmosphere at UFC 312

UFC 312 took place on February 9, 2025, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The event was one of the most anticipated UFC cards of the year, headlined by the middleweight title fight between Du Plessis and Strickland. Fans eagerly awaited the rematch, wondering if Du Plessis could outstrike Strickland or if the former champion would reclaim the belt.

UFC 312 Fight Breakdown: A Striking Showcase

Unlike their first encounter, this fight featured no grappling. Du Plessis committed to standing and trading strikes with Strickland for all five rounds—a decision that stunned fans and analysts alike.

Round 1: Setting the Tone

From the opening bell, Du Plessis came out aggressively, pressuring Strickland with a mix of jabs, crosses, and leg kicks. Strickland, known for his high defensive guard and methodical striking, attempted to keep Du Plessis at bay with his signature volume punching. However, the champion’s power and speed gave him an early edge.

Round 2: Du Plessis Takes Control

By the second round, Du Plessis increased his pace, mixing in body shots and head movement to keep Strickland guessing. His footwork and ability to cut angles prevented Strickland from establishing his usual rhythm. While Strickland landed some solid jabs, his lack of power punches allowed Du Plessis to push forward without hesitation.

Round 3: The Fight-Changing Moment

The momentum shifted significantly in the third round when Du Plessis landed a devastating right hand that broke Strickland’s nose. Blood immediately poured from the former champion’s face, forcing him to adjust his approach. Despite the injury, Strickland continued to fight, but it was clear that Du Plessis had taken full control.

Round 4: A Masterclass in Striking

Du Plessis continued to showcase his refined striking skills in the fourth round. He targeted Strickland’s compromised nose with sharp uppercuts and hooks, while also mixing in leg kicks to further disrupt his movement. Strickland, struggling to breathe due to the damage, became less active, allowing Du Plessis to dominate exchanges.

Round 5: The Inevitable Conclusion

Despite Strickland’s toughness, the final round was a formality. Du Plessis, aware that he was ahead on the scorecards, managed the fight intelligently—avoiding unnecessary risks while still landing clean strikes. As the final bell rang, there was no doubt about the outcome: Dricus Du Plessis had successfully defended his title in dominant fashion.

Final Fight Statistics

• Significant strikes landed:
  • Du Plessis: 147 of 314 (46% accuracy)
  • Strickland: 128 of 263 (48% accuracy)
• Total Takedowns:
  • Du Plessis: 1 of 2
  • Strickland: 0 attempts
• Control Time:
  • Du Plessis: 5 seconds
  • Strickland: 0 seconds

Judges’ Scorecards

The judges’ scores were a reflection of Du Plessis’ dominance:

• Judge 1: 50-45 (Du Plessis)
• Judge 2: 50-45 (Du Plessis)
• Judge 3: 49-46 (Du Plessis)

A unanimous decision victory, leaving no room for controversy this time.

Post-Fight Reactions: How the MMA World Responded

Du Plessis’ Reaction

In his post-fight interview, Du Plessis expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating:

“I knew I had to prove that I’m not just a wrestler. People doubted my striking, but I showed tonight that I can beat anyone on the feet. Strickland called me out, and I answered.”

Strickland’s Response

Despite suffering a broken nose and a one-sided defeat, Strickland remained defiant.

“I’ll be back. He fought smart, but I still think I can beat him. We’ll see what happens down the line.”

MMA Community Reactions

Fighters and analysts quickly took to social media to discuss Du Plessis’ dominant win.

• Daniel Cormier (Former UFC Champion & Commentator):
  “DDP shut everyone up tonight. He showed striking improvement and took out one of the toughest guys in the division.”
• Michael Bisping (Former UFC Middleweight Champion):
  “That’s how you silence the critics. Du Plessis is the real deal!”

What’s Next for Dricus Du Plessis?

Potential Opponents

With two title defenses under his belt, Du Plessis has solidified himself as a dominant champion. However, new challenges await:

• Khamzat Chimaev: An undefeated wrecking machine with elite wrestling and knockout power.
• Jared Cannonier: A powerful striker with experience against top contenders.
• Israel Adesanya Trilogy Fight: With their series tied at 1-1, a third fight could settle the rivalry.

Chasing Greatness: Can Du Plessis Become One of the Best?

With this victory, Du Plessis extended his UFC winning streak to 10 fights. He now inches closer to Anderson Silva’s legendary 13-fight middleweight win streak—a record that has stood for over a decade. If he continues to evolve, he may very well establish himself as one of the greatest middleweights of all time.

Conclusion: The Champion Who Keeps Proving People Wrong

Dricus Du Plessis entered the UFC as an underdog, doubted by many due to his unconventional style. Yet, fight after fight, he has silenced critics and cemented his place as a true champion. His performance at UFC 312 was a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and sheer determination.

As the middleweight division continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Dricus Du Plessis is here to stay.