Dricus du Plessis just became that guy. You know, that friend who always has the inside scoop on UFC drama. The UFC middleweight champion recently declared he’s “100% sure” Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya are headed for a blockbuster rematch—and frankly, we’re here for the chaos.
Why Dricus du Plessis is Betting on Strickland vs. Adesanya 2
After beating Strickland at UFC 312 to claim the middleweight throne, du Plessis isn’t just kicking back. In a recent interview, he predicted, “Sean’s next fight has to be [with] Israel. The storyline writes itself.” And he’s not wrong.
- The Backstory: Strickland stunned the world by dethroning Adesanya at UFC 293 in 2023, only to lose the belt to Dricus du Plessis months later. Adesanya secured an automatic rematch against du Plessis but ended up getting submitted with a rear-naked choke after dominating most of the contest. Israel then went on to lose his next outing against Nassourdine Imavov last week.
- The Stakes: A Strickland-Adesanya rematch isn’t just about pride or Izzy getting a chance to prove Stickland’s first win against him was a fluke. The winner could face du Plessis next, making this a high-stakes eliminator for the title shot.
Du Plessis added, “Styles make fights, and these two have fireworks written all over them.”
Adesanya’s Easies Path to a Title Shot
Adesanya (24-5) has lost three consecutive fights for the first time in his MMA and kickboxing career, but a win against Strickland would put him back in title contention.
- Legacy: Adesanya is already a middleweight GOAT contender with five title defenses. A win over Strickland gives him a clear path to du Plessis.
- Style Clash: Adesanya’s precision striking vs. Strickland’s relentless pressure is a recipe for either a knockout or a five-round war.
Pro tip: If you’re betting, watch Adesanya’s calf kicks. Strickland’s forward-moving style leaves him vulnerable to them—something Izzy exploited in their first bout.
Sean Strickland’s Trash-Talking Redemption Tour
Strickland (29-7) isn’t one to stay quiet. After losing to du Plessis, he called out Adesanya, quipping, “I’ll beat that anime villain-lookin’ dude again.” Love him or hate him, Strickland brings two things:
- Unfiltered Entertainment: From Twitter rants to cage-side antics, he’s the UFC’s resident wildcard.
- Surprising Fight IQ: Don’t let the memes fool you—Strickland’s Philly shell defense and volume punching have baffled elite strikers.
If Adesanya wins, he’ll likely leapfrog into a title shot. If Strickland wins, he’ll cement himself as du Plessis’ next challenge. Either way, du Plessis gets a pay-per-view headliner that’ll boost his star power.
3 Reasons You Should Care About This Fight
- High Stakes: The winner gets a golden ticket to fight du Plessis.
- Rivalry Renewed: Adesanya has a score to settle, and Strickland loves playing the villain.
- Style vs. Style: Technical striking vs. brawling pressure—a classic MMA chess match.
What’s Next for du Plessis After UFC 312?
While Strickland and Adesanya duke it out, du Plessis is recovering from injuries and “waiting for his moment.” The South African powerhouse has options:
- Option 1: Face the Strickland-Adesanya winner later this year.
- Option 2: Defend against dark horses like Robert Whittaker or Jared Cannonier.
Either way, his prediction game is strong. As he told MMA Junkie, “I’ll be ready. These boys know I’m a problem everywhere.”
Mark Your Calendars
While the UFC hasn’t officially announced Strickland vs. Adesanya 2, all signs point to this fight, headlining a pay-per-view in late 2025. Whether you’re here for the knockouts, the trash talk, or the drama, this rematch is a can’t-miss moment.
Pro Tip: Follow MMAMartial.com for updates on fight dates, betting odds, and exclusive breakdowns. Because let’s face it—you don’t want to miss the memes when Strickland inevitably tweets about Adesanya’s haircut mid-camp.
Got a take on Strickland vs. Adesanya? Drop a comment below or share this article with your fight-night squad. And remember: Never bet against someone who trains in cargo shorts. 😉
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