It’s been nearly a year since Sean Strickland‘s loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. However, the former champion now has the chance to avenge that defeat. As Dana White and the UFC wrapped up the final PPV event of the year, fans were thrilled with the latest announcement of fights for next year. The highly anticipated clash between Strickland vs. DDP has been scheduled for UFC 312, set for February 8th, 2025.

Just like fans former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is also excited about the clash. However, he is worried about just one particular thing in the fight. Let us take a look at what is bothering ‘The Reaper’.

Robert Whittaker wants to know what Sean Strickland can do differently this time

After

Khamzat Chimaev‘s impressive victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, fans were vocal about wanting to see him face Dricus du Plessis for the title. Although Sean Strickland was the natural next contender, fans wanted to see ‘Borz’ in action. However, with the fight now confirmed it will be a chance for Strickland to back his words. ‘Tarzan’, since his loss at UFC 297, has been claiming that he was robbed of a victory. He does have a point as many experts also felt that Strickland did enough to pull off the victory.

However, since that fight, Du Plessis has grown in stature as a fighter and has developed his all-round game, especially since he was the first man to submit Israel Adesanya in the sport of MMA. Former middleweight champion Whittaker is also aware of the threat ‘DPP’ poses and wants to know what ‘Tarzan’ can do differently this time. Last time around, the fight went the full distance and Strickland failed to impress the judges. ‘The Reaper’ feels the challenger this time around will have to do things differently if he wants to become the champion again.

While speaking on the MMA Arcade podcast he said, “In my opinion, I don’t see the fight going any different. Like, du Plessis is such a dog in there. He’s going to come with the same aggressiveness and the game plan. What could Sean do differently to change the outcome than last time?”. Well, both fighters are coming off impressive victories from their last fights and will be high on confidence. The pair has also been involved in a lot of social media brawls in the past. However, according to ‘The Reaper’ the former champion should look to end the fight via a knockout and not rely on the judges.

Since the time the fight has been announced the fans are buzzing with excitement. Two of the best middleweights will be colliding against each other for the second time in their career at UFC 312. Waiting to witness the clash are

Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, who recently shared their honest opinion about the clash.

Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier have high hopes for the upcoming UFC 312 fight

Dricus du Plessis, known for his relentless pace and diverse skill set, has taken the middleweight division by storm, capturing the belt and cementing his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. His rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and this title defense will be his chance to solidify his reign as champion. Strickland, on the other hand, has made it clear that this fight is personal. With his brash personality and striking-heavy style, “Tarzan” is hungry for redemption and eager to prove he belongs among the best.

Fans can expect a high-stakes battle where both fighters will leave it all in the Octagon. Just like fans, Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier are also excited about this rematch. Rogan who has always been a fan of du Plessis said, “So close [their last fight’s outcome]. Dricus du Plessis has shocked the world. I mean not just in winning the title from Sean but the way he beat Israel Adesanya, the way he beat Robert Whittaker. Dricus du Plessis is a monster,”. Former dual champion Daniel Cormier agreed with Rogan’s praise for the middleweight champ but reminded the world of how good Strickland also is.

He said, “Sean Strickland is a monster, too. They had a very close fight last time. These guys are going to battle for the middleweight championship. That’s a fun fight. It was very fun last time. I wonder who’s going to make that adjustment.” As UFC 312 approaches, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most memorable middleweight title fights in recent history. However, the fans would be hoping that they get to see a knockout in their second outing. Who do you think will win between ‘DDP’ and ‘Tarzan’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.