“It was close last time”

The rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland at UFC 312 has just received one of its first predictions from a colleague. That’s from a UFC middleweight in Jared Cannonier, who recently spoke with Sportskeeda’s James Lynch in an exclusive interview.

According to Cannonier, Strickland was to be favored to dethrone du Plessis for the middleweight title, which du Plessis had actually captured from Strickland himself. Despite Strickland being the loser of the first match, Cannonier argued that ‘Tarzan’ should win the rematch.

“The first one was close. I think… 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 will take the momentum that he did more damage and really try to seal the deal in their next game.”

When asked by Lynch if he believes Strickland will actually win at UFC 312, Cannonier expressed some confidence in the outcome.

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

See Jared Cannonier’s prediction for Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 below (8:10):

The first match between du Plessis and Strickland was somewhat controversial, with some believing that Strickland had done enough to win, including Strickland himself. Now, at UFC 312, both men will have the chance to stake their claim as the superior fighter.

The South African star followed up his win by submitting Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Meanwhile, Strickland bounced back from his narrow loss to du Plessis by stunning former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa in a five-rounder at UFC 302.

Jared Cannonier has the experience of half the Dricus du Plessis against Sean Strickland rematch

While Jared Cannonier has never fought Dricus du Plessis, he has faced Sean Strickland, which may be a reason for him to favor ‘Tarzan’ over the defending middleweight champion. The pair locked horns at UFC Vegas 66 and dragged each other to a very competitive split.

Watch highlights from Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland below:

Despite Strickland’s best efforts, Cannonier was declared the victor. The result was controversial, as was Strickland’s own loss to du Plessis.