DRICUS YOU PLESSIS aims to put strickland -Rivalization ‘in bed’

The Dricus du Plessis is determined to clean up all the questions about his first match with Sean Strickland in Saturday’s UFC 312 title -Rematch.

After you Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) took the middleweight title from Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) in a discussed split decision on UFC 297 in January 2024, the couple will drive it back in the main event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney (ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, ESPN2, ESPN+). Both men are very sure that they deserved nodded in the first meeting and plan to leave undoubtedly in the sequel.

While Strickland, 33, strives to regain the belt, he felt “robbed” 13 months ago, you look Plessis (31) to close this chapter in history. He does not see the controversy about the first result, despite UFC CEO Dana White claiming he scored it for Strickland.

“For me, the split decision was the biggest shock to me,” you told Plessis to journalists at UFC 312 Media Day. “I didn’t think it was a shared decision. … I am very happy that they fought for this match. I asked for this match until Khamzat (Chimaev) victory (over Robert Whittaker) happened and then I would have preferred that match, but I’m really glad this match is happening, because now I can go and say, ‘What would you say? ‘I’ll put this to bed. All the stupid fans who think he won this match I can just go out and put this behind me.

“I wasn’t lucky. I wasn’t gifted a belt. I fought in five rounds forward. 23 minutes ahead in a 25-minute match guarantees a win. It’s the guy who tries to fight, not the guy trying to point. “

Although there was an urge from fans to you Plessis to make his next title defense against the undefeated Chimaev, the master is ultimately pleased with the situation. He sees Strickland as a serious threat and there is no lack of motivation for him on several layers.

“I think Strickland is the best middle weight in the world right now, behind myself, and he deserves to be here,” you said Plessis. “I know he’s an incredible, incredible fighter. He is so good defensively. He’s tough. He is hard to hit, and when you hit him, it doesn’t have the effect like on normal guys. This guy is a pointed predator. This is the toughest fight of my life that comes up and I’m ready for it because I’m a pointed predator and he’s in my area right now.

“We go to the dark place from Get-Go and we’ll see who’s coming out. And I can’t wait for it, because even if this goes to a decision again, it will be a whole war and there will be no doubt that I am the best in the world. “

For more about the card, you can visit the MMA Junkies Event Hub for UFC 312.