Dricus Du Plessis Dominates Sean Strickland to Retain UFC Middleweight Title

2025-03-01

Dricus Du Plessis retained his UFC middleweight title in a dominant performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, held in Sydney, Australia. The South African champion secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46, marking his second win over Strickland in their rematch. Du Plessis broke Strickland’s nose in the fourth round, which visibly affected the challenger’s performance. Despite Strickland’s resilience, he struggled to mount significant offense, with Du Plessis controlling the fight through volume striking, head kicks, and consistent pressure.

The fight was a stark contrast to their first meeting at UFC 297, where Du Plessis won by a narrow majority decision. This time, Du Plessis left no doubt, outlanding Strickland and showcasing his superior striking and aggression. Strickland, known for his defensive shell and forward pressure, failed to adapt to Du Plessis’ unorthodox style and relentless pace. Post-fight, Strickland acknowledged the broken nose impacted his ability to compete effectively.

With this victory, Du Plessis solidified his position as the middleweight champion and now looks ahead to potential challenges, including undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future in the division after falling short in his bid to reclaim the title. The rematch, while decisive, highlighted the toughness of both fighters and brought closure to their rivalry.

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