Dricus Du Plessis believes Alex Pereira’s presence in Sean Strickland’s nook at UFC 312 gained’t make a distinction.
Du Plessis is about to place his middleweight title on the road in a extremely anticipated rematch in opposition to longtime rival Strickland, headlining UFC 312 on Feb. 8 at Sydney’s Qudos Financial institution Area.
Don't miss out in your final probability to witness two title fights The UFC returns to Sydney subsequent week!
#UFC312 | Remaining tickets accessible at hyperlink in bio pic.twitter.com/zM5vBnDP6X
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) January 28, 2025
Strickland’s head coach, Eric Nicksick, disclosed earlier this week that reigning UFC Gentle Heavyweight Champion Pereira will lend his seasoned experience to the outspoken fighter as he eyes a second shot on the 185-pound title.
Pereira himself is getting ready to place his belt on the road for the fourth time in opposition to Magomed Ankalaev in the primary occasion of UFC 313, set for March 8 on the T-Cellular Area in Las Vegas.
After Pereira knocked out Strickland at UFC 276 in 2022, the 2 shaped a camaraderie and commonly practice alongside one another. UFC 312 will mark the second time “Poatan” corners Strickland, having beforehand been in his nook at UFC 297, the place the American misplaced his title to Du Plessis in a gritty break up resolution.
Throughout a latest interview with CBS Sports activities’ Shakiel Mahjouri, “Stillknocks” laughed off Pereira cornering Strickland at UFC 312, dismissing it as a non-factor. He pointed to the Brazilian’s presence at UFC 297, the place Strickland nonetheless misplaced.
“He was within the nook within the first struggle too,” Du Plessis mentioned. “I imply, they don’t even communicate the identical language. It doesn’t actually make it a lot of a distinction whether or not he’s within the nook or not. Strickland may barely perceive his personal coach who’s additionally American. How is he going to grasp Alex Pereira [laughs]?”
After capturing the middleweight title in January final 12 months, Du Plessis has defended it as soon as, securing a submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August.
In the meantime, Strickland has stepped into the Octagon simply as soon as since dropping the belt, edging out Paulo Costa through break up resolution at UFC 303 final June.
