As UFC 297 edges closer, UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland is set to defend his title against title challenger, Dricus Du Plessis. Things escalated quickly as they did after ‘StillKnocks’ made an uncharacteristic comment about Strickland’s past. Regardless, a UFC legend is not convinced by Dricus Du Plessis playing the heel.

UFC legend and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen in a recent YouTube video, shared his take on the role taken by Du Plessis ahead of his fight against Strickland. Especially after the comment he made about the middleweight champion, he broke it down in a podcast with Theo Vonn. Here is Sonnen’s hot take.

Chael Sonnen claims Dricus Du Plessis is not a believable heel

In a recent interview, Dricus Du Plessis pointed to the media that he was glad that Sean Strickland let his emotions known, given that the comments made by his contender were meant to be hurtful. Nevertheless, Chael Sonnen, a former and one of the best heels in the UFC, acknowledged what Du Plessis had to say.

He noted, “he’s doubled down on those statements and anybody else would’ve ran them back and see that’s the problem with the heel there’s nothing more monetizable at the box office than a cool heel they just don’t come along very often because the guys can’t take the booze.”

Sonnen went on to list a few heels from the WWE, such as The Rock, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, and some more, dubbing them some of the best heels in entertainment. Whereas, that wasn’t the case for Dricus Du Plessis. Sonnen stated, “I’m not convinced I buy Dricus. He says something terrible. He says a mean unkind thing but he’s got this smile when he does. I’m not sure I buy it.”

However, the retired UFC fighter gave credit where it was due, especially to Du Plessis’ ability to market himself, stating, “I find Dricus to be very good at marketing. I find what he does to be very interesting. Now he has poked a bear in ways that is not been poked.”

Driscus Du Plessis in just a few months in the UFC has managed to become one of the most detested fighters by the majority of the fans. However, it won’t be far-fetched to assume that he is living inside Strickland’s head rent-free due to his statements.

Sean Strickland breaks down in the middle of the podcast

In a podcast with Theo Vonn, despite being on a roll while having a very upbeat conversation, things went downhill for the middle champ as the two talked about their childhood. Strickland broke down in tears as he recalled what he had gone through as a child, growing up in an abusive household.

He admitted that he picked up a habit due to anxiety, stating, “When I was a kid, I used to scratch my gum. I have a hole in my gum.” One commendable thing about Strickland is the amount of success he has gained for himself, despite the odds being against him.

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Given how much trauma Strickland endured as a child, do you feel that Dricus Du Plessis made the right call attacking Strickland on that topic? Or should Sean Strickland not mind, given he does the same to people?

Let us know your take on the matter in the comments section below.

Also Read: “Stopped Believing in God” – Sean Strickland Breaks Down While Opening Up to Anxiety Induced Due to Traumatic Childhood