2:04 am - February 26, 2025
In a thrilling and bloody battle, Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight championship title against Sean Strickland in Sydney, Australia. The fight, which took place on Sunday, was a highly anticipated rematch between the two bitter rivals. Du Plessis, the 31-year-old South African fighter, dominated the bout, winning by a unanimous decision with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46. This victory not only cements his position as the top fighter in the 185-pound (84kg) category but also improves his impressive record to 23-2. The fight was a brutal showcase of skill, determination, and resilience, with du Plessis leaving Strickland bloodied and battered, particularly after destroying his nose in the process.
The rivalry between du Plessis and Strickland began in January last year when they first faced off in Toronto. In that initial encounter, du Plessis claimed the middleweight belt via a narrow split decision, a result that Strickland vehemently disputed, insisting that he had won the fight. Since then, both fighters have been on a collision course for a rematch. Du Plessis, known for his formidable skills and relentless pressure, successfully defended his title against Nigeria-born Israel Adesanya in August, solidifying his reign as champion. Meanwhile, Strickland, the polarizing American fighter, rebounded from his loss to du Plessis with a lackluster victory over Brazil’s Paulo Costa, setting the stage for this highly anticipated rematch. The animosity between the two fighters was palpable, and the bout in Sydney did not disappoint, delivering a performance that will be remembered for a long time.
The fight itself was a masterclass in mixed martial arts, with du Plessis showcasing his versatility and precision. From the opening round, he utilized his signature head kicks, landing four in the first round alone, while Strickland responded with tentative jabs that failed to make a significant impact. As the fight progressed, du Plessis turned up the intensity, delivering combinations to Strickland’s face that drew blood and set the tone for the rest of the bout. By the second round, it was clear that du Plessis was in control, and he only tightened his grip as the fight wore on. In the fourth round, a massive right hook from du Plessis sent blood pouring from Strickland’s nose, and another followed shortly after, rocking the American against the cage. Despite his best efforts, Strickland struggled to mount any meaningful offense, and by the fifth and final round, du Plessis was relentless in his pursuit of a finish, targeting Strickland’s broken nose at every opportunity. While he couldn’t secure a knockout, du Plessis left no doubt about his dominance, earning the unanimous decision victory.
In the aftermath of the fight, both fighters showed remarkable sportsmanship and respect, despite the brutal nature of the bout. In a post-fight interview, Strickland, his face a mess of blood and bruises, acknowledged du Plessis’s dominance, stating, “He kicked my a** fair and square, props to him.” He also revealed that his nose had been broken during the fight but emphasized that he had continued fighting despite the injury, a testament to his toughness and dedication. Du Plessis, on the other hand, was characteristically humble and reflective in his victory. “To come in here and try to knock this man out is next to impossible,” he said, expressing his admiration for Strickland’s resilience. He also revealed his game plan going into the fight, stating, “I wanted a submission, a knockout, or an absolute domination of a five-rounder. That’s what I gave. I gave it my all.” His comments highlighted not only his respect for his opponent but also his own desire to put on a memorable performance for the fans.
The event in Sydney was not just about the main event, as the undercard also delivered some exciting moments. One of the standout performances came from Chinese strawweight champion Zhang Weili, who successfully defended her title for the third consecutive time against previously undefeated American challenger Tatiana Suarez. Zhang, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound female fighter in the sport, put on a dominant display, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores that reflected her superiority. The fight was a five-round war, with Zhang’s relentless pressure and precision striking leaving Suarez battered and bloodied. Despite Suarez’s toughness and occasional moments of offense, Zhang was in control throughout, showcasing her world-class skills and cementing her status as one of the greatest female fighters in UFC history. After the fight, Zhang praised her opponent but emphasized her own preparation and focus. “I was well-prepared for this fight. Tatiana is very strong, but I just focused on myself,” she said, stretching her record to an impressive 26-3.
The UFC event in Sydney was a resounding success, delivering unforgettable moments and showcasing the best of what mixed martial arts has to offer. For du Plessis, the victory over Strickland was more than just another title defense—it was a statement. It proved that he is not only the current champion but also one of the most formidable fighters in the middleweight division. His performance was a testament to his skill, dedication, and ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. Meanwhile, Strickland’s resilience and willingness to fight through a broken nose earned him the respect of fans and fighters alike, proving that he is a true warrior in every sense of the word. As for Zhang Weili, her dominant victory over Tatiana Suarez solidified her position as one of the most dominant female champions in the UFC, and her performance served as a reminder of her incredible talent and work ethic. Overall, the event was a celebration of martial arts, athleticism, and the unbreakable spirit of the fighters who step into the Octagon.