The UFC 312 main event promised fireworks and it delivered in spades! A year after their clash at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland stepped into the Octagon to settle the score. On the line? The middleweight crown.

The air was thick with anticipation as the two middleweights went to war. But after five rounds of a grueling fight, ‘Stillknocks’ walked away with the belt still wrapped around his waist. As for Strickland, he left the Octagon bloodied and with a broken nose. However, during the post-fight interview, the champion took aim at Strickland’s corner. And his target? The reigning light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira!

Dricus Du Plessis settles score with Sean Strickland and takes aim at ‘Poatan’  

The fight started off with both men testing the waters. As always, Sean Strickland worked behind his jab and his unique ‘Philly shell’ inspired defense. The champion, on the other hand, was heavily using his kicks to set the tone for the bout.

That was the story for most of the fight, with Strickland landing occasional flurries but the champion controlling most of the action. Then, the tide turned. A devastating right hand from Du Plessis crashed into Strickland’s nose and broke it, sending a crimson stream down his face. Strickland needed a miracle, but Du Plessis was a wall that wouldn’t crumble. The final round was a masterclass in control—smart aggression, calculated risks, and a suffocating pace. By the end, there was no doubt who the winner was.

The judges confirmed the inevitable: 50-45, 50-45, 49-46. The belt stayed with Du Plessis. But his focus had already shifted. And that’s when he looked straight at Alex Pereira and channeled Achilles from the movie Troy and exclaimed “This is another one from Achilles. And since he’s standing across the Octagon, is there no one else? Is there no one else?”

In fact, earlier in January, Strickland had asked Du Plessis for a stand-up war with a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to not engage in grappling exchanges. ‘Stillknocks’ response? “There are no pacts between lions and men.” – another reference to the mythical warrior.

The Brazilian has his own battle looming at UFC 313 against Magomed Ankalaev. But Dricus Du Plessis’ call-out has added more intrigue to what the future holds for ‘Poatan’. Yet, before he gets a chance to take on the Brazilian knockout artist, the champion already has an undefeated challenger waiting in the wings!

‘Borz’ is ready to rip the title away from Du Plessis in 2025 after Dana White’s confirmation

Khamzat Chimaev is a storm waiting to be unleashed. Now, with Dana White confirming him as the next contender, the target on Dricus Du Plessis’ back has never been bigger. But if Chimaev expects fear, he won’t find it in the South African champion.

Ahead of taking on Sean Strickland at UFC 312, in an interview with CBS Sports, ‘Stillknocks’ proclaimed, “I can beat Khamzat. No, no, no. I’m not scared of Khamzat’s wrestling. I’m not evading. I’m not trying to stay off the ground with Khamzat. That’s the mistake everyone makes. I’m going to fight Khamzat wherever the fight goes.”

But while the champion speaks with certainty, Chimaev already has his plans mapped out. The Chechen wrecking machine made his intentions clear in an interview with MMA YouTuber Aslanbek Badaev. “After the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight, I will have a fight in May or June against the champion, and then fight in October in Abu Dhabi. Win and defend the belt, those are the plans for this year.”, ‘Borz’ revealed.

With UFC 312 in the books, the road ahead for Dricus Du Plessis is more treacherous than ever. He silenced Sean Strickland, but what’s next? Will he fend off ‘Borz’ and prove his dominance? Or will fate push him into a collision with the Brazilian knockout king, Alex Pereira? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!