The clash of titans at UFC 312 saw Dricus Du Plessis cement his legacy in the hallowed grounds of Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. In a harrowing headliner, the South African didn’t just defend his crown – he forged it anew in the fires of combat. For five grueling rounds, Sean Strickland kept coming forward with his signature Philly Shell boxing but on this fateful night, he found himself caught in the crushing vise of Du Plessis’s dominance.

The champion’s performance was nothing short of masterful. A symphony of violence conducted with surgical precision. The scorecards told the tale of supremacy: 50-45, 50-45, 49-46. But numbers alone cannot capture the heart-pounding drama that unfolded in the Octagon. Du Plessis didn’t just win rounds; he authored chapters in his expanding legacy. And the challenger despite wearing the crimson mask of battle with his broken nose, never wavered in his fighting spirit.

With this defeat, Strickland’s record now stands at 29-7, having dropped two of his last three fights. Unlike their previous clash in January 2024 in Toronto—where the former champ lost via split decision and loudly protested a “robbery”—this time, there was little room for controversy. Following UFC 312, Strickland took to Instagram, accepting his defeat with humility. He thanked his fans for their support, expressed gratitude, and even gave credit to Du Plessis for his performance while updating everyone on his shattered nose.

However, despite his composed words, his eyes told a different story—one of disappointment. Sensing this, UFC’s fan-favorite media personnel and Strickland’s sworn sister, Nina Marie Daniele, stepped in to lift his spirits. In the comments, she showered him with encouragement, writing, “Proud of you Sean! Win or lose we all love you… bc you are the People’s Champ! Petition to keep the mustache 👨🏻❤️🇺🇸 Can’t wait to blow sh*t up in the desert back home 🧨🔫😂”

Over time, ‘Tarzan’ and Daniele have formed one of the most entertaining and unconventional friendships in the MMA world. Their dynamic thrives on contrast—Sean Strickland, infamous for his unfiltered and often controversial takes, has repeatedly made headlines for statements like, “We need to put women back in the kitchen.” Meanwhile, Daniele has emerged as a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment in the sport. Despite their opposing views, their playful banter and genuine camaraderie have made them an unexpected yet beloved duo, proving that even the most unlikely friendships can flourish.

Sean Strickland sets the record straight on his bond with Nina Marie Daniele

“This is why @ninamdrama is successful. MMA journalism is dead. I want to fight for the belt… done. No interview,” wrote Sean Strickland on social media, praising his friend Nina Marie Daniele’s skills. His post not only highlighted her growing influence in the MMA world but also reignited rumors about the nature of their relationship. Daniele, known for her former Playboy career and undeniable glamour, has become one of the promotion’s biggest heartthrobs. However, her close friendship with the American has raised eyebrows among fans, with many speculating about a possible romance.

Despite the ongoing buzz, the American has set the record straight—he sees Daniele as nothing more than a “little sister.” A resurfaced Reddit post further backs his claim, with Strickland not only defending Daniele but also admitting he’s not particularly fond of her modeling past.

However, he made it clear that she’s far more than just a pretty face, writing, “You get to know Nina, bro, and it’s like… uncomfortable. I’ll be making jokes, and she’ll try to match my energy, and then she’ll say something off-color, and I’m like, ‘Nina, that’s gross, shut the f-ck up…’ You guys don’t know her. You get to know her, Nina’s dope, dude… Nina’s like a little sister to me, even though the thought of it makes me feel gross. You guys got her wrong.”

How do you rate Sean Strickland’s performance against Dricus Du Plessis today at UFC 312? Did he put up his best effort to make it a competitive fight? And do you believe he has what it takes to reclaim the middleweight title in the future? Share your thoughts below!