Israel Adesanya predicts winner of Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2
UFC 312 is upon us, and anticipation is mounting. A Middleweight Championship rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland is headlining the card. They first fought last year at UFC 297, resulting in a controversial split decision win for du Plessis that saw Strickland relinquish his belt. Given that their initial encounter was so close, the results of the rematch seem exceedingly difficult to predict. However, Israel Adesanya is uniquely qualified to make such a prediction, having fought (and lost) against both men. In a recent interview, Izzy gave his thoughts on how we may see this hyped rematch play out.
An Informed Opinion on UFC 312 Result
Adesanya drew from his experience facing off against du Plessis and Strickland to share how he envisioned this war unfolding the second time.
According to the former champion, we may end Saturday’s card hearing “and still!”
While acknowledging that Sean Strickland may be able to nullify some of du Plessis’ grappling, Izzy still believes that the champion will find a way to retain his throne.
“It’s going to be Dricus doing what he does…Dricus is just too tough right now.”
A Rematch for the Ages
It’s interesting to hear the former champion’s thoughts on the matter. Adesanya’s take makes sense given the result of his fights against the two. Strickland defeated Izzy via a one-sided decision, but Izzy really did not look his best in the fight. du Plessis by contrast finished Adesanya by submission and did so against an opponent looking much closer to the vintage Izzy who dominated the Middleweight division for years.
This is indicative of a difference in the two fighters’ styles; Strickland largely picks apart his opponents with jabs and teep kicks to slowly accrue damage and usually win on points, whereas DDP is more dynamic and unpredictable. Dricus would seem to not only be a greater threat to finish the fight but also have more ways to finish it or to rack up points towards a decision.
However, all we know for sure is that we should be in for another war. The first fight was one of the closest title matches of 2024, and we’re excited for another razor-thin back-and-forth brawl as they run it back at UFC 312.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
