Why Jared Cannonier believes Sean Strickland beats Du Plessis

Jared Cannonier watches Sean Strickland avenge his loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312.

Middleweight champion Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) rematches Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) in the main event on February 8 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

The pair fought at UFC 297 last January, with Du Plessis taking a close decision victory over Strickland to become the middleweight champion. Strickland outmatched Du Plessis, but it was Du Plessis’ six takedowns that helped him secure the win.

“The first one was close,” Cannonier said Sportskeeda. “I see Sean coming back with a little more fire in his belly, but it was close last time. I also think Sean did more damage last time. I think he’ll take the momentum that he did more damage and really try to close the deal in their next game.”

Cannonier was asked if he thinks it would be enough for Strickland to avenge his loss to Du Plessis.

“Well, yes, I would say that,” Cannonier said. “If he catches Du Plessis off balance, maybe rushes in, catches him with a nice stiff jab or a counter slip jab, or slip-whatever, you know how he does his thing, puts him on his heels with his teeps and stuff, and keep the pressure on, I think Sean can get it done.”

Cannonier, who has a main event win over Strickland in December 2022, will look to snap a two-fight losing skid when he takes on Gregory Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 251- headliner on February 15 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

The former UFC title challenger hopes to leave the judges out of the equation.

“I plan on knocking him out,” Cannonier said. “I think it will be a TKO, possibly in the second or third round. He tends to slow down a little bit. I’m working really hard on my cardio so that won’t be a problem. I don’t plan on taking damage.

“I plan to be hard to hit and score and beat him as many times as possible. I always hope for the best. My last two matches hadn’t gone like that, but I always hope for the best. I always work and train to improve myself and to bring the best that is in my mind to reality.”