UFC 312 – AUSTRALIA. Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis has done it!
The South African warrior outlasted and outworked Sean Strickland in a grueling five-round war to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship by unanimous decision at UFC 312 in Australia.
The judges scored the fight:
Ben Cartlidge: 46-49
Sal D’Amato: 45-50
Clemens Werner: 45-50
Du Plessis left no doubt, pushing the pace, landing heavy shots, and securing the only takedown of the fight to edge out Strickland in a razor-close battle.
FIGHT STATS BREAKDOWN:
TOTAL SIGNIFICANT STRIKES:
• Du Plessis: 111 of 250 (44%)
• Strickland: 97 of 201 (48%)
TOTAL STRIKES:
• Du Plessis: 113 of 252
• Strickland: 97 of 201
TAKEDOWNS:
• Du Plessis: 1 of 1 (100%)
• Strickland: 0 of 0
OCTAGON CONTROL:
• Du Plessis: 0:05 seconds of control time
• Strickland: 0:00 seconds of control time
ROUND-BY-ROUND ACTION:
Round 1:
A tense opening, with Du Plessis landing 20 of 45 significant strikes (44%), while Strickland landed 16 of 49 (32%).
Round 2:
Both fighters picked up the pace. Du Plessis started to break Strickland’s rhythm, landing 31 of 60 strikes (51%), compared to Strickland’s 29 of 54 (53%).
Round 3:
Du Plessis turned up the heat, landing 39 of 79 significant strikes (49%), while Strickland struggled with 24 of 47 (51%). The South African also secured the only takedown of the fight, gaining valuable control.
Round 4:
Strickland rallied back, connecting with 28 of 51 strikes (54%), but Du Plessis stayed aggressive, landing 21 of 66 (31%).
Round 5:
A true test of heart and determination, Du Plessis dug deep, matching Strickland’s output and securing a hard-fought unanimous decision victory. 
DU PLESSIS: A NEW ERA BEGINS!
Dricus du Plessis is now the first-ever South African UFC Middleweight Champion and continues his meteoric rise in the sport. His relentless pace, power, and durability proved too much for Strickland, who struggled to keep up with the South African’s pressure.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Could we see a superfight with Israel Adesanya? Or will Khamzat Chimaev step up for a shot at gold? The UFC Middleweight division just got a whole lot more interesting!
