<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Yc8Fi_0w35Micr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Yc8Fi_0w35Micr00" width="600" height="315" ><p>Dricus du Plessis is desperate to headline the first UFC event in Africa. If the South African could defend his middleweight belt in his home nation, it could spark a major movement in the sport on the continent. But UFC CEO Dana White already said the promotion is having difficulty finding an arena capable of hosting a major event.</p><p>But du Plessis can’t be too worried about where his next fight occurs. He has to worry about holding onto the belt. When du Plessis claimed the belt last January, he won a narrow decision against Sean Strickland. Following Strickland’s loss, The latest news saw Strickland stay active by going down in the rankings to fight Paulo Costa.</p><p>Strickland demanded a rematch with du Plessis following the match. He will now be getting his wish. Du Plessis is coming off an impressive title defense against Israel Adesanya.</p><p>But much has changed since the two men last met. How will the rematch play out?</p><h2>The Buildup for First Fight was Ugly</h2><p>When Strickland and du Plessis were paired as opponents, things got extremely personal during the fight’s promotion. Du Plessis went after Strickland at the UFC 297 press conference, directing his insults at Strickland for being abused by his father. Strickland made comments about du Plessis’ sexuality.</p><p>The two men were seated close to each other at another UFC event before they fought and ended up squaring off in the crowd. While White scolded himself in a press conference for seating the two men close to each other, he didn’t seem to mind the attention.</p><h2>Strickland Was an Unlikely Champion</h2><p>How you feel about Strickland’s fighting style will depend on what you enjoy watching. Strickland typically applies a lot of forward pressure to keep opponents on their back foot. He then will fire off accurate strikes that usually aren’t named to knock his opponents out.</p><p>Strickland’s plan, according to the best MMA news websites, is to wear down opponents over the course of a fight. While Strickland is likely best known for the wild things he says, there is no doubt that he is an effective mixed martial artist. Strickland is 29-6 in his career but capitalized off a three-fight winning streak to get his shot at the belt.</p><p>Strickland stepped in on short notice to fight Adesanya at UFC 293. He then proceeded to put a five-round beatdown on the long-time champion. Strickland winning a decision was shocking, but he was the better man that night.</p><p>Strickland wants to reclaim that top spot. Eighteen of his career fights have gone the distance, so he has the gas in the tank to hang with du Plessis again.</p><h2>Du Plessis Continues to Defy Expectations</h2><p>There won’t be many people who believe that du Plessis rose the ranks so quickly to be champion. It’s not because du Plessis doesn’t have the skills. He does.</p><p>Du Plessis is an excellent striker and grappler. He is capable of causing his opponents a lot of issues in all areas. But du Plessis doesn’t demonstrate great form. Du Plessis will charge forward with his chin up and land powerful but ugly-looking strikes. But none of that has mattered.</p><p>Du Plessis is 22-2 in his career and has yet to lose in the UFC. During his run, he has collected wins over three former champions, Robert Whittaker, Strickland, and Adesanya. Du Plessis could retire as one of the all-time legends of the sport if he continues to win and finish fights the way he has.</p><h2>Strickland Has Taken New Strategies to Improve</h2><p>While Strickland often says offensive things about many of his opponents and the world in general, he isn’t above working with old rivals. Since losing to now-light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira a few years ago, Strickland has started training with the Brazilian champion.</p><p>Strickland was already a solid striker. But competing with Pereira can add some new wrinkles to his game. While du Plessis showcased his solid cardio base during his past two fights, it will be interesting to see if he can keep that up. Du Plessis had issues maintaining his pace through five-round fights in the past.</p><p>Pereira, the former middleweight champion, teased a fight with du Plessis earlier this year. But Pereira recently said that cutting back down to middleweight isn’t something he is interested in.</p><p>Du Plessis proved a lot during his win over Adesanya. After the intense buildup to the fight, many observers believed Adesanya would be invigorated to put on the best striking clinics of his career. But du Plessis neutralized his striking with excellent wrestling.</p><p>Du Plessis ended up locking up a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. It was the first time in his career Adesanya had been forced to tap out.</p><h2>DDP in Position for Interesting Championship Run</h2><p>Some waves of change are starting to sweep in for the middleweight division. In a division long ruled by Whittaker and Adesanya, there have been some fresh faces who are establishing themselves as title contenders. Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho are ranked in the top five in the middleweight division and have never fought for the belt. Imavov and Borralho have both picked up exciting wins over the past year and appear to be on a quick trip to the top of the UFC.</p><p>Strickland and du Plessis will feel much pressure to win this fight. If either man doesn’t win, it will be hard to know how long either would have to wait to stake another claim to the belt. While this fight won’t be happening in Africa, everyone will closely see how this one will play out. Will the buildup be just as hot for this fight? Or will Strickland and du Plessis be more gentle this time around? MMA fans will be excited to see it play out.</p></div></body>

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Sean Strickland Will Get His Rematch with Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus du Plessis is desperate to headline the first UFC event in Africa. If the South African could defend his middleweight belt in his home nation, it could spark a major movement in the sport on the continent. But UFC CEO Dana White already said the promotion is having difficulty finding an arena capable of hosting a major event.