Thirteen months after their first intense showdown, Dricus Du Plessis once again walked away victorious in the highly anticipated UFC 312 rematch against Sean Strickland. The middleweight champion proved yet again why he’s at the top of the division, securing a dominant unanimous decision victory in the main event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
The energy in the arena was electrifying as fans witnessed another five-round war between these two fierce competitors. Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) showcased his relentless pressure, sharp striking, and impressive grappling to outwork Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) on the scorecards. This win marks his second consecutive title defense, further solidifying his reign as the undisputed middleweight king.
Their first encounter, which took place at UFC 297 in January 2024, was already a brutal battle. That night, Du Plessis emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, and now, with another win under his belt, he holds a commanding 2-0 lead over Strickland in their head-to-head rivalry. It’s safe to say he has cemented himself as Strickland’s kryptonite inside the Octagon.
What This Win Means for Du Plessis:
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Undefeated in the UFC: With a flawless 9-0 record in the promotion, Du Plessis continues to build an incredible legacy.
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Two-Time Conqueror of Strickland: Securing back-to-back wins over a high-caliber opponent like Strickland boosts his reputation even further.
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Middleweight Domination: He now holds two successful title defenses, proving he’s not just a champion—but a dominant one.
Strickland, known for his tough-as-nails approach and relentless forward pressure, put up another gritty performance. However, he couldn’t do enough to sway the judges this time either. Despite his best efforts, Du Plessis’ superior fight IQ, well-rounded skills, and championship mindset kept him ahead throughout the contest.
Fan Reactions Explode on Social Media
As expected, MMA fans took to X (formerly Twitter) in full force to share their thoughts on this thrilling rematch. The reactions ranged from admiration for Du Plessis’ incredible performance to debates about what’s next for both fighters. Some fans praised his ability to adapt and dominate, while others speculated on who might be next in line to challenge for the title.
While Strickland may have fallen short again, his ability to push elite fighters to their limits keeps him in the conversation as a top contender. Will he bounce back and earn another shot, or will new blood step up to challenge the reigning champ?
With UFC 312 now in the books, one thing is crystal clear—Dricus Du Plessis is here to stay, and he’s making history one fight at a time.
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