Dricus du Plessis retained his middleweight title with a dominant decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312, overcoming a tough opponent and delivering impactful strikes, including a significant fourth-round blow that damaged Strickland’s nose.
Dricus du Plessis did it again. Not the prettiest, but he got the job done.
The reigning middleweight champ wanted a finish. Still, he returns to South Africa with the title around his waist after a lopsided decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 312. The rematch was close at times, but du Plessis’ bigger, more impactful strikes made the difference.
In the fourth round, du Plessis landed a punch that devastated Strickland’s nose. Blood poured down Strickland’s face. That was enough for du Plessis to secure the win, with judges scoring it 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46. Another five-round battle in the books.
“I told you guys,” du Plessis shouted to the crowd. “I’m trying to knock this man out.” Nearly impossible, though. Gave it his all. “Sean’s an animal, deserving of all the hype.”
The rematch felt like déjà vu with Strickland sticking to his jab while du Plessis countered with power punches. But this time, Strickland’s output seemed lower, allowing du Plessis to connect more effectively early on.
Close exchanges? Sure. Du Plessis mixed it up with stinging leg kicks and even a spinning back fist or elbow to keep Strickland guessing. He wasn’t pulling away on scorecards but was landing more impressive strikes.
Momentum shifted in the fourth when du Plessis uncorked a huge right hand, wrecking Strickland’s nose—blood everywhere.
Strickland wore the damage visibly as du Plessis pursued him relentlessly. Another right hand buzzed Strickland as du Plessis’ confidence surged. Yet, he admitted almost getting carried away when smelling blood in the water.
“Probably gonna get tased by my coach,” du Plessis confessed. Seeing Strickland grabbing his nose was like rocking someone; got overexcited. “The man is running,” he thought. Don’t outpunch yourself—calm returned.
Took him 30 seconds to regain composure. Doesn’t want habitual decisions but against such a competitor? Means the world.
Final round approached, and Strickland’s coaches were blunt: finish or leave Australia without the title.
Strickland didn’t change tactics much—stuck to lead left jabs and occasional straight rights. Du Plessis kept chopping away with kicks before boxing combinations up top.
The Australian crowd grew restless, yet du Plessis found his spots, denying Strickland any chance of a miraculous comeback. With a minute left, a beautiful head kick tagged Strickland; victory secured!
More importantly? Du Plessis vanquished Strickland twice—rivalry ended! No excuses from Strickland; he acknowledged du Plessis’ skill.
“When that f*cker broke my nose,” Strickland said, “didn’t feel right.” Popped it back and kept fighting. “Dutchman’s a bad motherf*cker,” he admitted. Props given.
Du Plessis now boasts a 23-2 career record with a perfect 9-0 in the UFC.
After his win, he pointed at UFC light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira—no name called out though. Seems eager to climb those mythical pound-for-pound rankings after dispatching Strickland and retaining his title once again.
“Is there no one else?” he shouted towards Pereira’s direction. “Top three pound-for-pound fighter tonight—I’m coming for that No. 1 spot.”