Sean Strickland Confused 24 Hours Before UFC 297 as Dricus Du Plessis Threatens to Finish UFC Champ Inside 3 Rounds – “He Has to Deal With That”

Dricus Du Plessis has made a bold statement just hours away from his fight with Sean Strickland at UFC 297! The build-up to the fight has seen the two men get involved in heated verbal exchanges that even led to an all-out brawl at UFC 296 in December. Strickland will be making his first title defense against the contender Du Plessis who is looking to dethrone the champ come fight night!

In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Du Plessis predicted the outcome of their fight. He stated that he believes he can finish ‘Tarzan’ inside of 3 rounds! But he also revealed surprising insight into the psychology of his opponent and made some interesting claims about Strickland’s mental state going into the fight!

Dricus Du Plessis reveals what he saw in Sean Strickland’s eyes during the face-off  

As UFC 297 approaches, Sean Strickland finds himself in a perplexing situation just 24 hours before the bout, as his opponent, Dricus Du Plessis has asserted that he has gained some valuable insight during their face-off.

Du Plessis also shared his fascination with these encounters and expressed the ability to discern fear or confidence in his opponent’s eyes. He noted, “What I’m seeing from him is very conflicting in his eyes, I can see he doesn’t know. He, he can see I’m physically a specimen that’s going to stand in front of him in that cage. But right now he has to deal with that in his mind, tonight when he goes to bed”

When questioned about Strickland’s words during the face-off, Du Plessis dismissed their significance, highlighting that, regardless of what was said, it wouldn’t impact the impending fight. He also emphasized the proximity of the upcoming clash, indicating that verbal exchanges hold no sway over him at this stage.

Addressing the emotions leading up to the title fight, Du Plessis revealed, “You know, anything that can be said or was said, is being said, doesn’t matter. It’s 24 hours. I mean, and this is going down. Whatever there is to say, has no influence on me.”

In summary, Du Plessis remains focused on the imminent challenge, downplaying any verbal exchanges with Strickland, and expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete in the UFC world championship! 

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But in a surprising turn, Strickland, who was recently involved in a brawl with Dricus du Plessis, has shifted gears and encouraged the crowd to cheer for his opponent!

Strickland buries the hatchet with ‘Stillknocks’ but not Israel Adesanya  

The change in tone comes after Strickland had previously threatened du Plessis with violence over personal matters. Notably, former champion Israel Adesanya also found himself on the receiving end of Strickland’s animated remarks!

Strickland expressed a newfound respect for du Plessis and stated, “I hope after we’re done, win or lose, we’re f**king bloody and we put on a show for you f**king guys. Applaud him and encourage him. Because we want a f**king war!”

Acknowledging that the feud was never personal, Strickland commended du Plessis for getting him emotionally invested in their upcoming bout. He extended a handshake to du Plessis, signaling a desire to deliver an outstanding performance for the Canadian audience.

However, Strickland’s reconciliation with du Plessis did not extend to Adesanya, who recently predicted du Plessis to win. Strickland responded by reminding Adesanya that, “I could have took Izzy down and beat his a** on the ground but I chose to stand with him like a man. What did he do the whole fight? Run away like a b*tch.”

In essence, the lead-up to UFC 297 has witnessed a notable shift in Strickland’s demeanor, from intense hostility to a more sportsmanship-oriented approach with Du Plessis, while still maintaining a critical stance towards Adesanya’s predictions!

Do you think Dricus Du Plessis and his prediction of a finish against Strickland will come true? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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