Sydney, Australia – The UFC middleweight division reaches a boiling point this Sunday as reigning champion Dricus du Plessis squares off against former titleholder Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 312 in Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters. For Du Plessis, it’s an opportunity to cement his reign as the undisputed 185-pound champion and silence any lingering doubts from their razor-thin first encounter. For Strickland, it’s a chance at redemption—an opportunity to reclaim the title he lost in January 2024 via split decision.
The Rivalry Renewed
This will be the second time in just over a year that these two warriors share the Octagon. Their first battle at UFC 297 in Toronto was an intense five-round war, ending with Du Plessis having his hand raised in victory, though many—including Strickland—felt the fight was too close to call.
Since then, the South African champion has further solidified his status with a dominant submission win over former king Israel Adesanya in August, proving he belongs at the top. Meanwhile, Strickland was left in limbo after demanding an immediate rematch but instead had to settle for a co-main event clash against Paulo Costa, a fight he won convincingly, earning his shot at revenge.
With the rematch now set in the very city where Strickland first shocked the world by defeating Adesanya at UFC 293, the American is confident history will repeat itself. However, Du Plessis is equally determined to make a statement, promising a more definitive result this time around.
A Clash of Styles and Personalities
Despite their heated encounters inside the cage, the animosity between Du Plessis and Strickland lacks the outright hostility seen in other rivalries, such as the infamous feud between Du Plessis and Adesanya. Instead, the buildup has been a blend of mutual respect and fiery competitiveness, with both fighters taking jabs at each other in the press.
Strickland, never one to shy away from controversy, has remained his brash self throughout fight week, rallying support from the Sydney crowd while dismissing Du Plessis’s first victory as a “bad judging call.” The American has promised an all-out war and even made an eyebrow-raising remark about fellow UFC 312 competitor Tatiana Suarez, drawing criticism from the media.
Du Plessis, on the other hand, has adopted a more composed approach. While he’s not one to make bold predictions, he has made his intentions clear—he wants a finish. “I’m going out there looking for that knockout from the first bell,” the champion stated, indicating he does not want to leave the result in the judges’ hands again.
Fight Night: Key Factors
Both fighters bring contrasting skill sets to the Octagon. Du Plessis is widely regarded as the more well-rounded mixed martial artist, capable of finishing fights with his striking, wrestling, or submission game. Strickland, meanwhile, is a high-volume pressure boxer with an iron chin and relentless pace, attributes that have seen him outlast opponents in brutal five-round affairs.
One new wrinkle in Strickland’s corner is the presence of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who has been helping him prepare for the rematch. Pereira famously knocked out Strickland in 2022 but has since become one of his main training partners. However, Du Plessis has dismissed the significance of Pereira’s involvement, questioning how much of an impact a cornerman can have, particularly one who doesn’t even speak the same language.
A Defining Moment
With both men confident and coming off wins, UFC 312 promises to deliver fireworks. If Du Plessis emerges victorious, he will have put the Strickland rivalry to rest while further strengthening his claim as the best middleweight on the planet. If Strickland reclaims the belt, it sets up yet another chapter in this evolving storyline and shakes up the division once again.
One thing is certain—when the cage door closes on Sunday morning, there will be no more talk, no more disputes, just two warriors fighting for the ultimate prize in mixed martial arts.
Will the South African champion stand tall once more, or will Strickland prove that he was right all along? The answer awaits in Sydney.
UFC 312 takes place on Sunday, 9 February, with the main event expected around 7 a.m. (SA time). Broadcast live on SuperSport Action, Grandstand, Maximo 1, and Variety 3.
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
