Strickland’s Bold Claim: ‘Stand & Bang’
In the buildup to UFC 312, Sean Strickland has been vocal about his intentions for the fight. Known for his brash attitude and straightforward approach, Strickland declared that he wasn’t interested in playing it safe or taking Du Plessis down to the mat. Instead, he wanted to engage in a striking war—no wrestling, no clinch, just pure stand-up.
Strickland’s comments were direct: “I don’t care what people expect, I’m going in there to make a statement. I’m going to stand right in front of Du Plessis and make him regret stepping into the cage with me. No running, no ground game. Let’s see if he can handle a guy like me in a pure striking battle.”
While Strickland has built his reputation on his aggressive stand-up style and his ability to push the pace, many are skeptical that he’ll actually stick to his word. Du Plessis, who’s known for his explosive knockout power and striking ability, will likely be looking to land heavy punches as well, but he’s also a well-rounded fighter who’s capable of controlling the fight on the ground. Strickland’s “stand & bang” pact may be his way of selling the fight and hyping up the action, but it has Du Plessis questioning whether Strickland will be as bold once the cage door shuts.
Du Plessis Responds: ‘I’m Ready for Whatever’
Dricus Du Plessis, who has earned a reputation for his dynamic fighting style, is taking Strickland’s words in stride. While he acknowledges Strickland’s striking prowess, Du Plessis made it clear that he isn’t simply going to play along with Strickland’s plans.
In a recent interview, Du Plessis said, “Strickland can talk all he wants about standing and banging, but I know how to fight in all aspects. I’ve fought guys who have tried to box me, and I’ve made them pay. He wants to stand with me? Fine, I’ll meet him there. But if I need to take him to the ground and grind him out, I’ll do that too.”
Du Plessis, who has impressed fans with his ability to mix striking with his grappling, is keeping a level head heading into this fight. He’s well aware of Strickland’s ability to pressure his opponents with his high output and awkward, unorthodox style. But Du Plessis is also confident in his own skills and believes that if Strickland is as aggressive as he says he’ll be, Du Plessis will be ready to capitalize.
“It’s all talk right now,” Du Plessis continued. “Once we’re in there, it’s a different story. I’ve fought guys who wanted to stand with me, and I’ve broken them. If Strickland is foolish enough to stand in front of me and try to make it a striking war, he’ll learn the hard way. I’m ready for whatever he brings—striking or grappling.”
A Fight of Style vs. Strategy
This matchup is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing in the middleweight division. Strickland’s claim to keep the fight standing could be a tactical move to lure Du Plessis into a striking exchange where he believes he has the edge. His hands are fast, his footwork solid, and his pressure relentless. However, Du Plessis has proven time and time again that he’s not just a one-dimensional fighter. The South African has knockout power, but he also has a strong wrestling game and the ability to grind out his opponents, especially when they’re not expecting it.
Many fans are wondering whether Strickland will be able to avoid Du Plessis’s takedowns and dirty boxing in the clinch. If Strickland sticks to his word and keeps it a stand-up battle, Du Plessis might have to prove he can hang with Strickland’s unorthodox striking. However, if Strickland gets too comfortable in the stand-up game and leaves himself open, Du Plessis could easily drag him into deeper waters with his wrestling or clinch game.
Du Plessis has also been focusing on tightening his defense and making sure he doesn’t get reckless in his approach. He’s aware that Strickland is tough to break and has a great chin, so he’ll need to avoid playing into Strickland’s hands by getting into a brawl without any strategy.
Strickland vs. Du Plessis: A Crucial Middleweight Battle
This fight isn’t just important for the rivalry between the two men—it could have significant implications for the UFC Middleweight title. With Israel Adesanya holding onto the championship for so long, there’s an opening for a new contender to rise and challenge for the belt. Strickland and Du Plessis are both eyeing that spot, and UFC 312 could be the perfect stage to showcase their skills.
If Strickland wins, it will further solidify his position as the top middleweight in the world, and he’ll likely be in line for a title shot. On the other hand, a win for Du Plessis would propel him into the spotlight and potentially earn him a crack at Adesanya’s title.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Test
As UFC 312 draws closer, the anticipation for the Strickland-Du Plessis fight continues to grow. Strickland’s “stand & bang” declaration adds fuel to the fire, but Du Plessis is not backing down from the challenge. Whether it turns into a thrilling striking war or a battle of tactics, this fight has all the ingredients to be an instant classic.
Will Strickland truly stand with Du Plessis, or will he take a more calculated approach and attempt to wear down his opponent with pressure and volume? Can Du Plessis live up to his aggressive style while keeping his cool in the face of Strickland’s relentless attacks?
One thing is for sure—this fight is going to be a war, and both men are prepared to leave everything in the cage. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how it all plays out at UFC 312.
