The stage is set for an explosive showdown as Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland collide for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 312. This isn’t just a championship fight—it’s a clash of two of the division’s grittiest, most relentless warriors. Strickland, known for his pressure-heavy Philly-style boxing and unfiltered personality, is on a mission to reclaim the belt after a razor-close defeat at UFC 297.

With an iron chin, relentless pace, and an uncanny ability to make fights ugly, ‘Tarzan’ thrives in chaos. On the other side stands the South African kingpin, a wrecking force who has bulldozed his way through the middleweight ranks with sheer willpower, unpredictability, and his mythical ‘plot armor’. ‘Stillknocks’ has repeatedly silenced his doubters, proving that his unorthodox yet effective fighting style can dismantle even the best in the division.

After taking out former champions like Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, he now stands at the pinnacle, ready to further solidify his reign as the undisputed middleweight king. Owing to the close decision in their previous encounter, the betting odds have Du Plessis opening as a favorite over Strickland and this status is growing by the minute. The South African currently sits at -209 against Strickland who sits at +171.

However, not everyone is betting on the South African champion. Former UFC star Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone has made it clear where his loyalty lies. Taking to Instagram, the veteran shared his fight week predictions with fans. In his video, he confidently declared, “Now we got a big weekend. We got the fights down in Australia. Of course, I am gonna go with my man Strickland. Putting a big bet on him. Then I am gonna go on Sunday to watch the Mark Wahlberg movie. Get all fired up for the Eagles to go out there and do their damn thing. We will see. So Strickland, the Eagles, and the Super Bowl on Sunday. I will put all my bets on the story. Enjoy.”

One thing is certain—when the Octagon doors close, neither man will hold back. UFC 312 is poised to deliver one of the most intense middleweight title fights in recent memory, and the world will be watching as these two warriors battle for supremacy. And it seems that 155lbs mainstay Dustin Poirier is also waiting to witness the event as he prepares for his final fight in the UFC. But who is ‘The Diamond’ rooting for in the highly anticipated battle? Let us find out about it below.

Dustin Poirier makes his pick between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis

The anticipation for the middleweight title rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland has reached an all-time high. As fight night draws closer, predictions are pouring in from all corners of the MMA world. One of the latest to weigh in is former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. ‘The Diamond’ recently revealed that he’s in active talks with the UFC about a potential farewell fight in his hometown of Louisiana this summer.

While discussing his future, Poirier also shared his take on the highly anticipated UFC 312 main event, picking who he believes will emerge victorious in the showdown between Du Plessis and Strickland. Poirier seemed momentarily hesitant when asked to make his pick. After a brief pause, ‘The Diamond’ ultimately aligned with the oddsmakers, who have Dricus Du Plessis favored to retain his middleweight crown.

While he acknowledged Strickland’s skills and toughness, Poirier believes Du Plessis’ current momentum in the UFC makes him the man to beat at 185 pounds. While speaking to TalkSPORT MMA he said, “That’s a tough one for me. I keep going back and forth but, man, I don’t wanna say, du Plessis. I think Du Plessis is going to win. It should be [close], you know. Sean’s crafty and awkward and weird style to fight. But du Plessis is the champ for a reason.”

Who will truly solidify their status as the undisputed middleweight king this weekend? That question will be answered soon. In the meantime, drop your predictions for the UFC 312 headliner in the comments below!