MMA
UFC 312: Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 2 Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Sunday, 09 February, 2025 Main Card Time: 14:00 local time (22:00 ET / 19:00 PT) Venue: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. SportsBoom previews the upcoming UFC 312 main event between the current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis and the former middleweight champion and challenger, Sean Strickland. This showdown takes place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday, 09 February 2025. Want the best UFC betting tips? Our betting experts have researched the best UFC betting sites that offer UFC 312 betting. Read our in-depth preview before betting on UFC 312.
Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis//Getty Images
Dricus Du Plessis has a good UFC record which reads: 22 wins and two defeats throughout his career. Stillknocks heads into this bout on the back of a submission victory over Israel Adesanya on the 18th of August 2024. The South African champ is currently on a ten-match winning streak. He will be looking to defend the UFC middleweight title with back-to-back victories against Sean Strickland.
Meanwhile, the American fighter beat Paulo Costa with a split decision in his most recent UFC bout on the 2nd of June 2024. Making this fight even more thrilling is the fact that Sean Strickland lost to the South African champ (UFC 297) by a split decision on the 21st of January 2024. Strickland has won 29 bouts and lost six throughout his career.
Dricus Du Plessis made history as the first South African to win a UFC title, defeating America’s Sean Strickland by split decision in UFC 297.
PRE-FIGHT ODDS
DU PLESSIS SLIGHT FAVOURITE
Dricus Du Plessis: 1/2 (1.50) - 66,7%
Sean Strickland: 13/10 (2.30) - 43,5%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Tale of the Tape
SportsBoom has been covering Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland throughout the years. We’ve researched these two MMA icons and analysed every single bout. Below you’ll find a table that shows you both fighters' important attributes such as their professional record, KO/TKO and decisions.
| Attribute | Dricus Du Plessis | Sean Strickland |
| Age | 30 | 33 |
| Height | 6’,06’’ (185 cm) | 6’,06’’ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 182 Ibs (83 kg) | 185 Ibs (84 kg) |
| Reach | 76’’ (193 cm) | 76’’ (193 cm) |
| Record | 22-2-0 | 29-6-0 |
| KO/TKO | 41% | 39% |
| Submission | 50% | 14% |
| Decisions | 9% | 46% |
As you can see from the above table, both fighters stand at a height of 6’,06’’ (185 cm) and they’re both a similar weight. Du Plessis and Strickland have an identical reach of 76’’ (193 cm). These similarities in physical stats tell us that this bout will come down to who is the more skilful fighter.
Du Plessis has a better record compared to Strickland. Both fighters have achieved success via KO/TKO which suggests that this fight could end in a KO/TKO. It must be said that Stillknocks has won 50% of fights via submission while Strickland has won 14% with a submission.
Another telling stat is the decisions. Du Plessis has won 9% of his bouts with a decision. Strickland has been victorious 46% of the time with a decision. This stat tells us that Strickland might want to prepare a balanced tactic to take Du Plessis through his paces and make sure that he completes all the rounds. This tactic could give the American an opportunity to win the bout via a decision.
Dricus Du Plessis Latest News
There has been plenty of talk coming at Stillknocks from all corners, including fans, the media, celebrities, and current MMA fighters. CEO of the UFC Dana White has also upped the excitement with his usual comments. With all the hype surrounding this much-anticipated fight, Du Plessis has been training hard and is in top shape for this rematch against Strickland.
Du Plessis has one mission on his mind, defend the UFC middleweight title. “Defending my belt, that is the immediate future. Defending my belt maybe once, twice, three times. I would like to defend my belt three times and then see what is happening in the weight above me. Try and get a go for that second world title. It is something that is in the future; not the near future, but future plans,” said Du Plessis.
Sean Strickland Latest News
The powerful UFC fighter recently had a blowup with teammate Chris Curtis. Curtis threatened to cripple Strickland in a fistfight. The two fighters have since made friends and now the focus is firmly on defeating Du Plessis. Strickland has been training as if he is attempting to climb Mount Everest. We expect him to be in great physical condition when he steps into the Octagon.
SUGGESTED BETS
If you love betting on MMA, here are some bets you can place at some of the top online bookmakers.
Dricus Du Plessis to Win by KO: This fight is an interesting clash of styles. The South African brings explosive power. The American has speed and endurance. We believe that Du Plessis has the ability to control the fight and land a powerful knockout.
Any Fighter to Win By Decision: The title of UFC middleweight champion of the world is on the line in this bout. Millions of MMA fans around the world will be watching. This is what MMA fighters dream of. The chance to go down in history as a legend of the sport. None of these icons will go down without a big fight. Expect to feel the hits on the TV. We think this fight could go the distance and be decided by decision.
KO in Round 4: We think that if this bout goes to Round 4, both fighters will empty the tank and go in search of a knockout. We could see plenty of entertainment with Strickland looking down and out and making a comeback or Stillknocks coming back strongly in round 4.
Prediction: Du Plessis to Win by KO
We think that Du Plessis will bring that “hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” X factor to this UFC middleweight championship fight. The South African can take Strickland to a place he has never been before and show him the warrior spirit of Mzansi.
We’re expecting the unexpected from both of these incredible UFC fighters. They will both be ready for their shot at glory. However, Dricus Du Plessis will make headlines and defend his belt with a spectacular knockout.
Josh has over ten years of experience as a Sports Writer. Josh has created content for some of the biggest sports brands and publications in South Africa. Josh is a creative writer who puts you in the game with his unique content. Josh writes about Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball, Darts, Golf, and all major sports.
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