Sean Strickland goes on a mission, and his target is clear—Dricus du Plessis. Strickland believes he has unfinished business after losing a razor-thin decision to South Africa. That loss not only cost him his middleweight title, it also left a bad taste in his mouth. Many fans and analysts believed the decision could have easily gone the other way, leaving Strickland in relentless pursuit to return to the competition.
The Strickland Intensifying Words
When du Plessis dethroned Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, Strickland turned up the heat, looking for a fight he believed he deserved. The rivalry between these two fighters only intensified, and Strickland took to social media to make his intentions clear. “You don’t duke me out in interviews no matter how hard you try! Dana said I’m next in line… we’re bringing that belt back to America,” Strickland boldly posted on Instagram.
But why is Strickland so keen on this fight, especially when Dana White has already confirmed that he is next in line? The answer lies in the showdown between du Plessis and lightweight champion Alex Pereira. Du Plessis had set his sights on a possible heavyweight title fight with Pereira, a move that could sideline Strickland’s ambitions. Adding fuel to the fire, du Plessis suggested that Robert Whittaker deserved a shot at Strickland, further complicating their rematch.
Du Plessis’s Eyes look Two-Slit Glory
Dricus du Plessis isn’t just a middleweight champion; He wants to be a bipartisan and make history. Like many before him, he is looking to make his mark on UFC history by holding titles in both weight classes simultaneously. His hopes of qualifying for South Africa saw him seek a light heavyweight fight with Alex Pereira.
Even when Pereira offered to drop down to middleweight to reclaim his old belt, du Plessis had other plans. In the UFC 305 post-fight press conference, he laid out his vision. “That’s going to happen. Everybody’s going to say that. So stay at 205. If Sean Strickland is the next fight people want to see—that’s the fight people want to see and that’s the fight people think is the next guy.” he is the best. — now that’s the fight I want… So I handle my business, you handle yours so you don’t have to cut loads for any excuses, and I’ll get to 205. Sort it out there.”
Will du Plessis avoid Strickland?
Strickland’s relentless pursuit of du Plessis begs the question—why is the South African champion so reluctant to get involved in his comeback bid? Du Plessis’s tone of voice when discussing the fight with Strickland is very different from the excitement he displays when talking about a potential fight with Pereira or even talking about a fight with Robert Whittaker This has led some to believe that maybe du Plessis is looking to sideline Strickland, especially their first fight Given how close it was.
However, it is also clear that a fight against the 205-pound Pereira will be a big event. For du Plessis, the chance to be a two-division champion and face one of the most dangerous fighters in UFC history is a tough one to pass up. The contents are large, and the South African carefully plays his cards.
