In a highly awaited rematch set for UFC 312, Sean Strickland will challenge the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, in what promises to be an electrifying main event on February 8 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Strickland, with a professional record of 29 wins and 6 losses, is eager to reclaim the title after what he describes as a controversial loss to Du Plessis in their previous encounter at UFC 297. With emotions running high, Strickland asserts that this rematch is more than just redemption; it’s an opportunity to prove his superiority in the octagon.
Strickland’s confidence stems from his belief that he was unjustly defeated in their last outing. Reflecting on the fight, he points to what he perceives as a critical turning point—the controversial headbutt that he claims altered the fight’s trajectory. He expresses his frustration with the judges’ decisions and insists that their judgement was flawed. “I feel like I got robbed,” Strickland reiterated, emphasizing that the factors influencing the judges’ decisions were misguided. According to him, this rematch is the perfect occasion to set the record straight and validate his assertions.
Strickland is no stranger to psychological tactics when it comes to fight promotion. His brash persona and unfiltered comments are often a part of his strategy to get into his opponent’s head. When discussing Du Plessis, he acknowledges the South African’s fighting spirit, likening him to a “wrecking ball”. However, he presents himself as a “scalpel,” suggesting that his precision and tactical approach to fighting will prevail over raw aggression. This duality in styles sets up a compelling narrative for the matchup—one fighter embodying brute strength and the other strategic finesse.
Despite the heated words exchanged in the lead-up to their second fight, Strickland insists that there is no personal animosity towards Du Plessis. He articulates a sense of respect for Du Plessis’s determination and tenacity, acknowledging that the rivalry is purely professional. Nevertheless, Strickland’s fiery rhetoric implies that he intends to make a statement with his performance. He ominously warns Du Plessis that “your face will look the exact same after, if not worse,” indicating his ambition to leave a lasting impression—both physically and in the record books.
As UFC 312 approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters. Strickland’s quest for vindication against Du Plessis’s desire to solidify his status as champion adds layers of intrigue to their bout. With the backdrop of a sold-out arena in Sydney and a passionate fanbase eager for high-stakes action, this rematch is sure to be one for the ages. Whether or not Strickland can back up his bravado with a decisive victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the octagon will be ablaze come fight night.