Sean Strickland challenges Dricus du Plessis to a striking-only fight at UFC 312: “F*****g no-takedown like men”
Sean Strickland has ignited controversy ahead of his middleweight title rematch against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 by proposing a no-takedown agreement. In a bold challenge, Strickland called on du Plessis to focus solely on striking, a move that has generated significant buzz and added intrigue to the highly anticipated fight.
Strickland’s Mind Games and Bold Claims
Sean Strickland is well-known for his provocative statements, and his latest remarks have raised eyebrows. He openly challenged du Plessis to “stand up and not go to your knees,” urging the South African fighter to engage in a striking-only bout. “We’re going to f*****g strike like men,” Strickland declared, dismissing wrestling and submission techniques with offensive language.
The proposed no-takedown agreement appears to be part of Strickland’s psychological warfare. Known for his defensive Philly Shell striking style, Strickland’s approach has often been criticized as passive, with 11 of his 16 UFC wins coming by decision. Despite this, he remains confident that a striking-only fight would favor his skill set and allow him to control the narrative.
Du Plessis: A Maverick in the Octagon
Dricus du Plessis has developed a reputation for his unpredictable and unconventional fighting style. Riding a 10-fight winning streak, including a submission victory over Israel Adesanya, du Plessis has proven himself as one of the most versatile fighters in the division. His unique blend of striking and grappling has left opponents struggling to decode his game plan.
Even fellow fighters have commented on his methods. Adesanya labeled him the “best s**t fighter” in the sport, while Robert Whittaker acknowledged that du Plessis’ awkward yet effective techniques consistently deliver results. Whether du Plessis will entertain Strickland’s call for a strikefest remains uncertain, but his adaptability could give him the edge regardless of the strategy.
Strickland’s Game Plan and Potential Risks
Strickland’s challenge to eliminate takedowns highlights his concern about du Plessis’ grappling and submission skills. His coach, Eric Nicksick, has emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach, stating, “Sean has to be a dog.” Nicksick admitted that Strickland’s usual march-forward-and-jab style might not be enough to overcome du Plessis’ unorthodox abilities.
While a striking-only fight could reduce the risk of submissions, it also poses challenges for Strickland. Critics have long pointed out his lack of finishing power, and a striking match could expose him to du Plessis’ creative and dynamic attacks. Strickland’s proposal might be a strategic play, but its success depends on how well he can adjust to du Plessis’ versatility.
Conclusion
As UFC 312 draws closer, Sean Strickland’s no-takedown challenge has added drama to an already compelling fight. While du Plessis is unlikely to be swayed by the proposal, the contrast in their fighting styles promises an exciting clash. Strickland’s striking-focused approach could either showcase his skills or leave him vulnerable to du Plessis’ innovative tactics.
Both fighters bring unique strengths to the octagon, making this a must-watch event for MMA fans. For Strickland, the fight represents an opportunity to prove his striking dominance, while for du Plessis, it’s another chance to display his adaptability and continue his impressive winning streak. Regardless of the outcome, UFC 312 is shaping up to be a defining moment in the middleweight division.
