Dricus Du Plessis opens up about Hardest Sacrifices and Challenges for both Sean Strickland bouts

UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career at UFC 312 in Australia. Du Plessis, who claimed the middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, will face Sean Strickland in a rematch to defend his belt. But the road to this pivotal moment has come at a personal cost, as du Plessis has had to make significant sacrifices, especially when it comes to time with his family. Here, du Plessis opens up about the challenges of training for this fight and the personal sacrifices that come with being a top UFC champion.

Dricus Du Plessis: Personal Sacrifices for UFC Glory

In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Dricus du Plessis discussed the sacrifices he has made for his UFC career, especially as he prepares for his two middleweight title fights with Sean Strickland. As a devout Christian, du Plessis values family time, particularly during the holiday season. However, his intense fight schedule has forced him to miss two consecutive Christmas holidays. “Last year, I had no Christmas. No holidays with the family after spending the whole year just fighting,” du Plessis shared. The last two weeks of the year are usually reserved for his family, but due to his training camp, that wasn’t an option.

Du Plessis explained how training for UFC 312, which falls in February, once again interfered with his holiday plans. “You’re in the middle of your training camp, and you can’t really spend that time with family,” he said. Despite the sacrifices, du Plessis understands that this is part of his professional journey and the commitment he has made to his UFC career. However, he also acknowledged that the demands of training camps make it difficult for not only him but also his coaches and teammates, who have to adjust their own schedules to support him.

The Heated Rivalry with Sean Strickland

The first fight between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland was filled with drama, including a crowd brawl and tense moments leading up to the Octagon. The rivalry between the two fighters escalated outside the cage, with both sides trading jabs. Du Plessis, who had been preparing for a tough fight, had to stay focused despite the animosity and external distractions. Their prefight back-and-forth only fueled the intensity of the matchup, with each fighter eager to prove their dominance.

As the fight approached, Du Plessis worked tirelessly to stay on track with his preparations, knowing the stakes were high. The mental challenge of facing a rival like Strickland added an extra layer of pressure. Du Plessis emphasized that even with the external distractions, he chose to focus on his role as the UFC champion and his duty to defend the middleweight title. Despite the tensions, the dedication to his craft kept him moving forward.

A Failed Pact and the Road Ahead for UFC 312

Ahead of their UFC 312 rematch, Sean Strickland proposed a stand-up agreement for their upcoming fight, requesting that both fighters keep it purely striking. However, du Plessis did not agree to this condition, and Strickland quickly changed his stance, signaling the intense back-and-forth between them. This failed pact only heightened the anticipation for their next showdown, as fans and analysts alike eagerly await the outcome of this pivotal middleweight clash.

The winner of UFC 312 will likely face the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, whose presence in the middleweight division looms large. Additionally, the outcome of the Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov fight will also play a role in determining who gets the next title shot. With the stakes higher than ever, Du Plessis is laser-focused on defending his title and putting an end to his rivalry with Strickland. A victory could propel him to the next level of stardom in the UFC.

Looking Toward the Future: Family Time and Career Growth

After the intense build-up to his UFC 312 fight, Dricus du Plessis is looking forward to spending some much-needed time with his family. Despite the grueling nature of his training camps and the personal sacrifices he’s made, du Plessis is eager to enjoy quality time with his loved ones once the fight is over. He understands the importance of balancing his career with his personal life, and after facing Strickland, he plans to take a step back from the intense UFC schedule to reconnect with his inner circle.

Should he successfully defend his middleweight title, du Plessis will solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in the division. However, he knows that the journey doesn’t end at UFC 312. Du Plessis is already looking ahead to what the future holds and is excited to reach new heights in his UFC career. But for now, he remains focused on the task at hand—beating Strickland and continuing his rise to greatness in the UFC.

In conclusion, Dricus du Plessis has made significant sacrifices to prepare for his UFC title fights, especially his time with family during the holidays. The intense rivalry with Sean Strickland has only added to the pressure, but du Plessis is determined to defend his middleweight title and cement his place among the UFC elite. As UFC 312 approaches, all eyes are on du Plessis to see if he can close the chapter on his rivalry with Strickland and take the next step in his illustrious career.