UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has issued a direct threat to challenger Dricus du Plessis, warning him not to bring up his childhood trauma during the UFC 297 fight week, following a heated exchange at a previous press conference.
Sean Strickland is laying down the law for UFC 297 fight week. The UFC middleweight champ is making his stance clear.
In the lead-up to 2024’s first UFC pay-per-view, things got ugly. Strickland then took to his podcast, The Man Dance, to issue a direct threat to Dricus du Plessis. As UFC 297’s Toronto festivities approach, the South African challenger is on notice.
Strickland recalls, “Remember when I attacked Dricus?” He sent du Plessis a message. It was a warning.
“Dude listen, Dricus, we’re going to try to murder each other,” he said. But if du Plessis brings up certain issues again, Strickland promises, “I will f****** stab you.” He’s made this clear at press conferences and weigh-ins.
Strickland isn’t saying he doesn’t want to fight du Plessis. He’s not denying du Plessis is a good fighter. But there’s a line. Cross it, and it’s more than a fight.
Strickland, 32, and du Plessis, 30, have been at odds. They nearly came to blows at UFC 297’s kickoff press conference in December. Du Plessis brought up Strickland’s childhood trauma, promising, “Your dad doesn’t have s*** on me.” The next day, Strickland attacked du Plessis at UFC 296.
Strickland addressed the situation on This Past Weekend with Theo Von. He tearfully recounted his childhood trauma and abuse. He condemned du Plessis for comments he felt were “off limits.”
On his podcast with Chris Curtis, another UFC 297 competitor, Strickland compared his reaction to du Plessus’ remarks to a racial slur. He explained, “that’s my card” someone could pull to set him off.
Strickland said, “If I had a f****** gun on me at that UFC fight — there was a chance.” But he doesn’t want to throw away his life for something dumb. He advocates for being nice to each other.
Strickland knew they’d get broken up. He thought about doing the most damage with 12-to-6 elbows to the back of the head. He even considered biting du Plessis. But he didn’t fully commit.
Du Plessus remains unfazed by Strickland’s reaction. He was unapologetic about his comments on The MMA Hour. He believes Strickland can dish out trash talk but can’t take it. Du Plessis isn’t worried about any antics Strickland might pull in Toronto.
Du Plessis said on The MMA Hour, “I’ll be ready for whatever he tries with me.” He doesn’t plan what he’ll say at press conferences. He thinks the upcoming one will be more civil. But he’s ready for anything.
Du Plessis is in the fight zone. He’s ready to go. He’s not here to make jokes. He’s here to be a world champion.
UFC 297 is happening Jan. 20 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. The five-round championship grudge match between Strickland and du Plessis is the main event.