In just under two weeks, Dricus Du Plessis will make the second defense of his middleweight strap in a much-anticipated rematch with Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in Australia on February 8. In what became one of the best fights of 2024, both men left everything in the cage at the Scotiabank Arena, with Strickland badly busting up the challenger’s face and Du Plessis bloodying the champion. The bout was incredibly close on the scorecards, but it was the South African who ultimately won by split decision to become the best 185-lb competitor in the world.
While he did lose his belt by the thinnest of margins, Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) still proved that he is a top striker in the division after leaving the new champion’s face positively battered.