The excitement is building as fans prepare for UFC 312, where Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in what promises to be another thrilling rematch. Set to take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on February 8, 2025, this fight builds on their first encounter almost a year prior during UFC 297, where Du Plessis emerged victorious by split decision.
Heading toward UFC 312, the odds favor Du Plessis at -215, making him the slight favorite over Strickland, who enters as the +164 underdog according to FanDuel. Despite the odds, many professional fighters have weighed in with their predictions, highlighting the competitive nature of this rematch.
Modestas Bukauskas, a UFC light heavyweight, expressed confidence in Du Plessis, stating, “I think Dricus will win by decision again. He mixes his strikes and wrestling well and is too well-rounded for Strickland.” This sentiment was echoed by Vince Morales, another UFC fighter who believes, “Dricus by decision again. The first fight was super close; I just think Du Plessis has the wrestling advantage and knows he can go five rounds, which will help him here.”
Conversely, several fighters have put their faith behind Strickland, including UFC featherweight Steve Garcia, who commented, “I’m going Strickland by decision. I thought he won the first fight and will get the win here.” Davey Grant, UFC bantamweight, also backed Strickland, stating, “I’m going with Strickland. I thought he won the first one and I think he can keep it standing and land more shots to win a decision.”
Reflecting on the first fight and the challenges he faced, Du Plessis has articulated his evolution as a fighter since their last clash. After dominating his title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, where he displayed significant improvement and endurance, Du Plessis feels more confident. “I had to prove to the world, to myself, I can go five rounds and go as hard as I can for five rounds,” he asserted. His performance against Adesanya showcased his technical skills and stamina, nullifying previous doubts about his ability to endure high-pressure situations.
During the buildup to UFC 312, both fighters have exhibited their fair share of psychological warfare. Strickland, never one to shy away from controversy, engaged with fans at open workouts, but his previous encounter with one fan resulted in harsh criticism, sparking concerns among observers about his temperament and control. Despite this, Strickland seems unfazed and is preparing to reclaim his title with renewed vigor.
The back-and-forth rivalry between Du Plessis and Strickland has been fueled by their social media exchanges and public remarks. Strickland previously remarked on Du Plessis’ training habits, to which Du Plessis responded, mocking Strickland's physical appearance, stating, “What? He grew taller and added staph infection to his arsenal... O sh*t!” This banter adds another layer of intrigue to the rematch, as both fighters attempt to gain psychological advantages.
Once again, Du Plessis emphasizes his confidence heading back to the Octagon. He stated, “I evolved, ever-evolving, getting mejor each fight, and this time I'm going to be even smarter.” With the stakes high and tensions palpable, he seems eager to showcase his skills and make his mark.
Former UFC middleweight champion and current contender Khamzat Chimaev has also entered the dialogue, stirring things up with remarks about Strickland's past. The unspoken tension adds another layer to the rematch's narrative. Chimaev's recent social media post poking fun at Strickland’s relationship with his father, only adds fuel to the fire as the rivalry heats up.
Fans can expect nothing less than fireworks come February 8. Analysts anticipate another close contest, much like their first bout. The narrative around this fight is colorful, filled with personal jabs, predictions from the camp, and the unmistakable tension between the two fighters.
UFC 312 is set to feature more than just the main event—there are several exciting bouts slated for the evening, but all eyes will undoubtedly be on the middleweight division. Will Du Plessis retain his title, or will Strickland reclaim his former glory?
With the preparations well underway and each fighter boasting notable changes since their last meeting, fans are eager to see how this rematch will pan out. The blend of strategy, power, and heart will be pivotal for both competitors as they step inside the Octagon, with everything on the line. With predictions running strong and stakes higher than ever, UFC 312 is shaping up to be one for the ages.