Dricus Du Plessis showcased his dominance in a rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in Sydney, securing a unanimous decision victory to retain his middleweight belt. The fight, which took place on Sunday, saw Du Plessis deliver a commanding performance over a bloodied Strickland, leaving no doubt in the outcome.
Reflecting on his win, Du Plessis expressed his satisfaction with the result while emphasizing his desire to avoid leaving fights to the judges' decision in the future. He credited his coach's advice to stay calm during the bout, despite his ability to deliver knockout blows, as a key factor in his success.
This victory marked Du Plessis' second title defense following his previous triumph over Israel Adesanya. The fight unfolded with Strickland attempting to establish his jab in the first round, while Du Plessis maintained an aggressive approach with a variety of kicks.
As the bout progressed, Du Plessis continued to outstrike Strickland, culminating in a fourth round where he broke his opponent's nose and applied relentless pressure. The champion's dominance was evident throughout the fight, particularly in the final rounds where he maintained control and confirmed his win.
Other Highlights from UFC 312
In the co-main event, women's strawweight champion Zhang Weili successfully defended her title against Tatiana Suarez, showcasing her resilience and control throughout the fight. Weili's victory marked her fourth consecutive title defense, further solidifying her position as a dominant force in the division.
On the undercard, heavyweight Tallison Teixeira made a memorable UFC debut with a first-round TKO over Justin Tafa, extending his streak of first-round finishes to eight consecutive bouts. Additionally, a thrilling light heavyweight bout between Jim Crute and Rodolfo Bellato ended in a majority draw after both fighters delivered impressive performances in a closely contested match.
Lastly, welterweight Jake Matthews secured a unanimous decision victory over Francisco Prado in a three-round bout, showcasing his skills and determination in the octagon.
Overall, UFC 312 delivered a series of exciting matchups and standout performances, solidifying the fighters' positions in their respective divisions and setting the stage for future bouts in the world of mixed martial arts.
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