The Middleweight champion, Sean Strickland will be defending his title for the very first time, and that too against Dricus Du Plessis. The bad blood between the fighters at the start of the announcement was typical. But that has escalated quickly after their out-of-cage altercation at UFC 296, with both the fighters not backing down. The official faceoff is scheduled to happen at UFC 297 but can these fighters wait till then to settle their rivalry?

Du Ples͏sis and Strickland have been at odds since the UFC’s seasonal press co͏nference. Du Plessis’ comments on Strickland’s difficult childhood shocked fans. Equally surprising was Strickland’s ͏emotional response, which even made Du Plessis hesitant.͏

Dricus Du Plessis was surprised that he got Sean Strickland in the first comment

The UFC seasonal conference marked the beginning of Du Plessis and Strickland’s rivalry. Strickland, in his characteristic manner, zeroed in on Du Plessis’s controversial relationship with his coach. In retaliation, Du Plessis spared no punches with remarks on Strickland’s mental well-being by delving into his abusive childhood and strained relationship with his father. Unexpectedly, Du Plessis’ remarks deeply affected Strickland, leaving ‘Stillknocks’ bewildered by Strickland’s emotional state.

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While in conversation with the coach, Du Plessis asserted that he was shocked by Strickland’s behavior. He added that he was not expecting “Tarzan” to go down so quickly. “[Sean Strickland] Looks Like a Guy that he’s not gonna be easy to freak because he dishes it out,” said Strickland.

He added “The first thing I said [did it], and that was only the beginning. I thought, ‘Oh, he’s acting,’ and then I saw like, ‘I really got him. Okay. I did all this homework, and I did all this preparation for this, and now the first thing I say [got him].”

Du Plessis was confused by Strickland’s sudden emotional outrage. ‘Stillknocks’ revealed he was not angry when Strickland attacked him.

Du Plessis was not angry with Strickland

The emerging South African talent openly expressed his admiration for Stricklan͏d, ͏commending him for his proactive approach. Du Plessis also conceded that, while it might not be the most exemplary co͏nduct for a champion, it’s an aspect of the fight game that they, as fighters, inevitably encounter.

“For me, I was completely calm about- I wasn’t angry. I was having fun, and the security was like ‘You need to chill.’ I’m like ‘I’m as chill- I can’t be more chill, what do you want from me?” said Du Plessis. ‘Stillknocks’ further added that he still has respect for Strickland and considers him as the real man.

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Du Plessis and Strickland matchup will be happening soon enough and the middleweight title will be on the line. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Tell us about your opinion in the comments below.

Read More: “That Sh*t F*ckin Hurt as a Child” – as Sean Strickland Reduces to Tears, Emotional Theo Von Opens Up About the Reality Behind UFC Champ’s Confession on His Dad