Dricus du Plessis remains composed in the face of Sean Strickland’s recent comments, maintaining his focus on their upcoming UFC 297 clash set for January 20. The middleweight contenders have stirred up considerable attention with their press conference altercation and ensuing verbal sparring.
In their first face-to-face encounter, du Plessis stirred the pot by invoking Strickland’s childhood trauma, promising an intense showdown. The tension escalated at UFC 296 when Strickland leaped over seats at the T-Mobile Arena in an attempt to confront du Plessis.
Strickland later addressed the situation emotionally on This Past Weekend with Theo Von, revealing the harrowing abuse he suffered as a child. In response, du Plessis, in an interview with MMA On Point, expressed his perspective on the matter.
Dricus Du Plessis Calls Out Sean Strickland Following Emotional Theo Von Interview
“I didn’t watch [Strickland’s comments] and I don’t think I will,” du Plessis stated. “Watching a grown man cry in an interview, it’s not really my watch material that I go and watch. But it is what it is. I’m glad he cried and he got it out. I hope that’s the end of that.”
While acknowledging Strickland’s emotional response, du Plessis emphasized his belief that the UFC champion is being given more credit than deserved in terms of mindset. Despite expressing respect for Strickland as a fighter, du Plessis labeled him a hypocrite for potentially inflicting the same trauma on others, stating, “Obviously childhood trauma is something you can’t help, but if you know what it feels like to be the one on the receiving end of such trauma, don’t inflict it on others, because that’s exactly what he does.”
In response to Strickland’s emotional interview, du Plessis delivered a candid perspective. “I have mad respect for him as a fighter, even as a person. He’s always been a straight-up guy. Even the fact that he tried to fight me in the crowd, that was him being a man.”
Du Plessis underscored the principle of reciprocity, noting, “If you want to dish it out, be able to take it, man, or you’re just a hypocrite. You didn’t deserve that as a kid, but as a grown man, you dish it out, you’re going to get it.”
Becoming Champion of The World
Amidst the controversy, du Plessis remains steadfast in his focus on becoming the world champion. He dismisses Strickland’s recent physical transformation, commenting, “Nice, you have abs for the first time, I’m really happy for you. But that’s what you should look like as a professional athlete.”
Addressing comparisons to Colby Covington’s controversial comments about Leon Edwards’ deceased father, du Plessis made it clear, “I don’t agree with what Colby did. Talking about somebody’s dead family, that is 100 percent stepping over a line, 100 percent.”
UFC 297 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto promises a riveting showdown between Strickland and du Plessis in a five-round championship bout. As the anticipation builds, fans can expect both fighters to bring their A-game, adding another chapter to the intriguing narratives within the realm of combat sports.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
