Dricus du Plessis has successfully defended his UFC middleweight championship after a gruelling five-round fight against Sean Strickland at UFC 312.
Dricus du Plessis retains bragging rights against Sean Strickland
The South African fighter displayed resilience and power, ultimately securing a victory that further cemented his dominance in the division.
The bout saw du Plessis applying relentless pressure, targeting Strickland with a variety of strikes.
In the fourth round, du Plessis landed a clean right hand that split Strickland’s nose open, causing visible damage and shifting the momentum firmly in his favour.
Despite Strickland’s attempts to counter, du Plessis remained composed, maintaining control with a mix of leg kicks, body shots, and well-placed combinations.
Strickland, known for his durability and counter-punching ability, had moments of success in the fight. He managed to land effective jabs and a few right hooks, testing du Plessis’s defence.
However, the South African champion’s relentless attack, superior footwork, and tactical striking proved too much for Strickland to overcome.
By the time the fight reached the judges’ scorecards, du Plessis had done enough to earn a unanimous decision victory, retaining his middleweight title and solidifying his status as one of the top fighters in the division.
Who is Dricus’s No.1 Contender?
With Strickland defeated, the attention now shifts to who will challenge du Plessis next.
Ranked third in the middleweight division, Nassourdine Imavov is expected to become the next No.1 contender.
Imavov, a fighter with a well-rounded skill set, has made a name for himself with his technical striking and strong grappling abilities. The 29-year-old, born in Dagestan and fighting out of France, boasts victories over notable contenders like Joaquin Buckley and Edmen Shahbazyan.
While he recently suffered a loss to Brendan Allen via unanimous decision, his overall track record and impressive performances have kept him in the title picture.
If UFC matchmakers confirm Imavov as the next challenger, du Plessis will face yet another formidable opponent eager to claim the middleweight throne.
However, with his latest victory over Strickland, the South African champion has proven he is more than ready for whatever comes next.