Dricus du Plessis Explained His "Success Secret" Against Sean Strickland At UFC 297

UFC middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis is scheduled to fight former champ Sean Strickland in the main event of the UFC 312 in 2025. The two crossed paths in the first PPV event in 2024 at UFC 297, where “Stillknocks” defeated “Tarzan” in a controversial split decision to become the champion. Prior to fighting Dricus du Plessis, Sean Strickland fought former champ Israel Adesanya and dominated the “last Stylebender” entire fight to dethrone the champ. Interestingly, Strickland didn’t change his approach while fighting Adesanya, who is considered one of the greatest strikers in the UFC. He went on 5 rounds on feet with him, getting a unanimous decision victory.

When asked from Dricus du Plessis in an interview as how he decoded Sean Strickland game, the South African fighter revealed the secret of his success against “Tarzan”.

I don’t mind getting punched in the face. That was the biggest difference. That what is. I’ll take one to give one because I know mine’s harder. I think that’s the biggest difference. I went and fought Strickland on his strength, I made him go backwards.”
Dricus du Plessis said

The middleweight champ defended his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Giving a tough competition to the “Last Stylebender” on feet, “Stillknocks” took the game to the ground in the 4th round of the fight and submitted the former champ via rear naked choke to retain his belt. He became the first to submit Israel Adesanaya in the Octagon and would likely defend his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. Though he was interested in fighting Khamzat Chimaev, UFC promised a rematch to the “Tarzan” before UFC 308, where Chimaev submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round to make people talk about giving him a title shot next.

The middleweight champ clarified his stance on accepting a rematch instead of fighting Chimaev.

“Just for clarification I preferred the Khamzat fight but the rematch is a fight most wanted before Khamzat vs. Whittaker. I’m not unhappy with the UFC’s decision. Like I said, I’ll fight the man fans think is the next best guy. He was promised the fight so Strickland it is.”
Dricus du Plessis wrote