Dricus Du Plessis has shed light on the challenges he faced in his initial bout against Sean Strickland, which resulted in a split-decision victory at UFC 297 in January 2024. Du Plessis described the fight as “frustrating,” noting that Strickland’s unorthodox style and strategic retreat made it difficult to secure a decisive finish. He remarked, “He said, ‘Till death,’ and he just walked backwards the whole time.”

 

Additionally, Du Plessis acknowledged the anxiety that comes with facing an opponent for the first time, particularly concerning their striking power and speed. This uncertainty led him to adopt a more cautious approach during their initial encounter. Reflecting on the experience, he stated, “In that fight, my first-ever title fight in the UFC, fighting for a world title, there’s a lot of pressure coming with that.”

 

As he prepares for the rematch at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025, Du Plessis is confident that the familiarity with Strickland’s fighting style will allow him to implement a more aggressive strategy. He anticipates that the upcoming fight will feature more action from the outset, reducing the initial feeling-out process that characterized their first encounter. Du Plessis emphasized that with the element of surprise gone, he is better prepared to engage more assertively, aiming for a definitive victory in the rematch.