Dricus du Plessis Fires Back at Sean Strickland’s Stand-and-Bang Challenge Ahead of UFC 312 Rematch

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has thrown down the gauntlet for a striking-only contest in his highly anticipated rematch against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312. Strickland, who lost his title in a close split decision at UFC 297, wants du Plessis to “stand and bang” without resorting to wrestling tactics.

Strickland took to social media to voice his frustration, stating, “I’m going to need you to be a f***ing man and stand up with me. No more wrestling, no taking knees – let’s settle this like men.” His comments hint at dissatisfaction with du Plessis’ tactical approach in their first encounter.

Du Plessis, known for his aggressive ground game and powerful striking, didn’t take long to respond. The South African champion shot back with a fiery tweet: “There are no pacts between lions and men,” dismissing Strickland’s challenge with confidence. His statement suggests he has no plans to change his well-rounded approach to ensure another successful title defense.

In their previous battle, du Plessis narrowly edged out Strickland with superior striking volume and pressure, adding a high-profile victory to his resume that already includes a dominant win over former champion Israel Adesanya.

The upcoming UFC 312 showdown, scheduled for February 8 in Sydney, promises fireworks. Strickland, eager to reclaim his belt, is coming off an impressive win over Paulo Costa. Meanwhile, du Plessis aims to solidify his reign with a second successful title defense.

Fans can expect high drama when these two warriors step into the octagon again, with Strickland aiming for revenge and du Plessis looking to prove why he’s the true king of the division.

Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis on the UFC 312 fight card.