The rivalry between UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis has intensified since their UFC 297 main-event bout was announced, but Strickland’s head coach believes the drama has helped Strickland improve his game.
The drama between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis is heating up. Their UFC 297 main-event bout is causing quite a stir. But, here’s the kicker: the middleweight champion’s head coach thinks all this drama is actually helping Strickland.
Strickland and du Plessis are set to battle it out for the UFC’s 185-pound title. The showdown is happening in Toronto on Jan. 20 at UFC 297. It’s the first pay-per-view event of 2024. The duo’s war of words has been intense. Some say it’s crossed the line. It even sparked a fight in the crowd at UFC 296.
Eric Nicksick, Strickland’s head coach, has some thoughts. He recalls Strickland being emotional after UFC 296. Nicksick had a heart-to-heart with the champ. The conversation seems to have completely changed Strickland’s mindset.
Nicksick told MMA Fighting about a particular incident. It happened on a Saturday at UFC 296. Strickland was emotional at Monday’s practice.
Nicksick had a message for Strickland. He told him that he speaks for a demographic. He’s an inspiration and a role model to many. Nicksick expressed his pride in Strickland. He encouraged him to use his platform to make a difference.
From a coach’s perspective, Nicksick gave Strickland some advice. He told him not to fight this fight emotionally. He believed that would favor Dricus and disrupt their game plan. Strickland agreed. Since then, he’s been focused and dialed in.
According to Nicksick, even Johnny Eblen, Bellator middleweight champion, agrees. He thinks Strickland has stepped up his game ahead of his first title defense.
Strickland won the belt with a dominant decision over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Adesanya was in a feud with du Plessis. The bitterness has now shifted to Strickland.
During the first press conference, du Plessis took a shot at Strickland’s childhood. That got the champion fired up.
This incident fueled the fire for Strickland and du Plessis’ brawl in the T-Mobile crowd. Nicksick understands, but it’s not his style.
Nicksick explained that these guys are trying to sell the fight. Sean will poke, and it’s going to come back to him. It’s part of the game.
Nicksick respects Dricus. He believes he’s the rightful heir to the No. 1 contender spot. He’s earned it. He’s great, and he’s only gotten better.
Nicksick has always felt Strickland is a bit misunderstood. Since becoming world champion, Strickland hasn’t rested on his laurels. He’s only become more determined to set a better example as a fighter and a teammate.
Nicksick said Strickland shows his level of care even more to the team. He’s been cleaning the mats and making sure the gym is tidy. He wants to keep his hard work mentality. The belt isn’t going to change him.
Chris Curtis recently noted that Sean’s approach to the game is more calculated. His work ethic is unmatched. After winning the title, he was back in the gym in a week to help his teammates. As a champion, his example is inspiring others.