Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title with a decisive victory over Sean Strickland in Sydney. The reigning champion demonstrated superior skill and strategy, claiming a unanimous decision with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46. This victory not only solidifies du Plessis' status in the UFC but also improves his professional record to an impressive 23-2.
In the early stages of the fight, du Plessis showcased his striking capability by landing four head kicks in the first round. Strickland attempted to counter with tentative jabs, but the South African's precision and aggression were evident from the start. By the second round, du Plessis had intensified his efforts, delivering a series of combinations that left Strickland bleeding.
A significant moment occurred when du Plessis delivered a powerful right hook that broke Strickland's nose. Despite this setback, Strickland demonstrated resilience and continued to fight. In a testament to his determination, he later remarked:
“I popped it back in place and kept fighting for you,” – Sean Strickland
As the fight progressed into the fifth round, du Plessis strategically targeted Strickland's injured nose, maintaining control and further asserting his dominance. Strickland acknowledged his opponent's superiority, stating:
“He kicked my a** fair and square, props to him.” – Sean Strickland
Du Plessis' victory is particularly significant as he remains the first South African to win a UFC championship. Reflecting on the challenge of facing Strickland, he expressed:
“To come in here and try to knock this man out is next to impossible,” – Dricus du Plessis
In another highlight of the event, Zhang Weili defended her title for the third consecutive time against Tatiana Suarez. Zhang's performance was marked by precision and focus, leading to a unanimous decision victory after a grueling five-round contest. Her record now stands at 26-3, underscoring her dominance in the division. Speaking about her preparation and focus, Zhang noted:
“I was well-prepared for this fight. Tatiana is very strong, but I just focused on myself,” – Zhang Weili
The bout between Zhang and Suarez was intense, with Suarez suffering several cuts. However, Zhang's experience and composure allowed her to secure the win.
