UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis insists he remains unaffected by Sean Strickland’s trash talk ahead of their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, this Saturday.
Strickland has taken to social media to taunt Du Plessis, criticizing South Africa’s crime rates and economic disparity. However, the 31-year-old South African remains unfazed.
“Strickland says a lot of things, but he doesn’t know anything,” Du Plessis told BBC Sport Africa. “It doesn’t make a difference to me.”
Du Plessis made history as South Africa’s first UFC champion after defeating Strickland via split decision at UFC 297 in January last year. He later defended his title against Nigeria-born Israel Adesanya in August, in a bout dubbed the ‘Battle for Africa.’
While the tension between Du Plessis and Strickland is real, the champion insists he does not manufacture rivalries for publicity. “I’m not someone who creates fake beef to sell fights,” he said. “If you treat me with respect, I’ll do the same. But if you try to bully me, I’ll make sure you know what it feels like to be bullied.”
Strickland’s inflammatory remarks have also drawn criticism from Australian media, yet Du Plessis maintains a level-headed approach. “I don’t hate him, but emotions are high. This is not the time to be friendly,” he added. “We are competitors. I respect him, but he is not my friend.”
In their initial clash at UFC 297 in Toronto, Strickland had early success with his jab and landed more strikes, but Du Plessis turned the tide by cutting Strickland’s eye in the fourth round. The bout went to the judges, who awarded Du Plessis a narrow 48-47, 48-47, 47-48 victory.
Ahead of their rematch, Du Plessis has fine-tuned his strategy. “We analyzed the fight, identified our mistakes, and made the necessary adjustments,” he explained. “We know where we are better than him and how to improve. Now, we have to be even more precise and leave no room for error.”
Since his UFC debut in October 2020, Du Plessis has become one of South Africa’s most prominent sports figures, choosing to remain based in his homeland despite the country’s developing MMA scene.
However, his outspoken views—including a show of support for former U.S. President Donald Trump—have made him a polarizing figure. Regardless, Du Plessis remains focused on maintaining his dominance in the UFC.
“Being world champion means proving it every day,” he said. “I have to work harder than everyone around me because I need to set the example of what it takes to be the best.
“The sacrifices have been tremendous, and nothing has changed. Getting to the top is one thing, staying there requires the same dedication. I’ve loved every moment of it.”
