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The rivalry between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland escalated rapidly, taking center stage at the UFC seasonal press conference. Du Plessis, in an unfiltered moment, delved into Strickland’s challenging childhood, particularly his tumultuous relationship with his father. The aftermath saw Strickland opening up emotionally during Theo Von’s podcast, evoking empathy from many. While it tugs at the heartstrings, Du Plessis contends that Strickland is being hypocritical in his actions.

Fresh off a triumphant win against Robert Whittaker ͏at UFC 290, ‘Stillknocks’ is gearing up for the next challenge. He aims to win the prestigious middleweight championship. To do so by beating a man he doesn’t like comes as an additional bonus for the South African fighter. The match is slated͏ to happen on January 20th. The brutal banter between them has escalated the tensions between the duo. However, Du Plessis has not backed away from his vicious attacks against the champ as he pointed out Strickland’s hypocrisy.

Dricus Du Plessis believes that Sean Strickland is a big hypocrite

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‘Stillknocks’ comments about ‘Tarzan’s abusive childhood triggered a rage inside of the middleweight champion. It was as if the pain that the fighter was hiding all these years had come forward and at the Theo Von’s podcast, he finally let it all go. Strickland’s crying video caught the unwanted attention of his rival. In his recent escapade with Ariel Helwani, Du Plessis emphasizes Strickland’s hypocritical nature. “Watching grown men cry isn’t really my genre. But, yeah, I’m glad he got it out now. That’s the end of it.” said Du Plessis.

The South African explained that Strickland made fun of Khalil Rountree when he cried about his past on live TV. He also pointed out that the champion made fun of Ian Garry’s family when Layla Machado’s book came to light. “He had a lot to say about Khalil Rountree crying, how weak of a man, ‘beta male’ Khalil was for crying. Then he goes and does the same thing, just on a bigger stage. and you know not talking about somebody’s wife I’m assuming because he has somebody in his life now that became a thing. He didn’t care about Ian Garry’s wife”

Du Plessis further emphasized that he enjoys Strickland’s funny side, but his unapologetic side after hurting someone would become the reason for his disdain. “He’s quite a funny character. I actually enjoy him. [But] the hypocrisy is what, that’s the one area where people could lose respect for Sean Strickland. ” 

 

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In the end, the fighter made accusations against Strickland, claiming that he was trying to gain sympathy now. “We saw him backpedal. Trying to play sympathy, he had that victim mentality immediately. You can’t do that if you say the things you say.” Interestingly, both fighters conversed through text after the brawl.

Sean Strickland issued a death threat to Du Plessis after their infamous brawl

In the latest episode of The Man Dance, Strickland disclosed that he had a private conversation with “Stillknocks” following the altercation. The middleweight champ explained that he texted Du Plessis after the brawl and suggested that there would be a murder at the octagon on the day they faced and one of them would go down to the hospital. “I actually talked to Dricus after that, and I was like Dricus, I mean, I like the guy, me and him are gonna have a f***ing war,” said Strickland.

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He further added that he warned Du Plessis that if he ever brings up his past again, he would not hesitate to stab his foe. ” ‘Dude, listen, Dricus, we’re gonna go try and murder each other. But if you bring that s**t up again, I will f***ing stab you.’ “

It is rather interesting to witness that both fighters had a one-to-one conversation. Nonetheless, one thing is certain, and that is their brawl at UFC 296 will determine bragging rights for either one of them.

Watch this story: Jorge Masvidal And Chael Sonnen Go Back And Forth 

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Who do you think will emerge victorious in their bout? What did you make of the South African fighter’s revelations? Let us know in the comments section below.

Read More: ‘Awkward’ Dricus Du Plessis Handed Bold Reality by Joe Rogan as UFC 297 Middleweight Title Opportunity Against Sean Strickland Awaits