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Sean Strickland’s Coach Drops Bombshell DM From Dricus du Plessis Before UFC Title Rematch

Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is on a second collision course with Dricus du Plessis, as the current…

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is on a second collision course with Dricus du Plessis, as the current titleholder seemed to confirm in a recent text.

Du Plessis captured the UFC middleweight title by defeating Strickland in an instant classic at UFC 297. It was a back-and-forth war from start to finish, and du Plessis walked away with the split decision victory.

After defending the belt against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, du Plessis will likely face Strickland for his second title defense. Strickland got back on track with a largely-dominant win over Paulo Costa in June.

While the first buildup to du Plessis vs. Strickland got personal, things might take a more respectful turn this time around.

Coach Eric Nicksick shares text from Dricus du Plessis ahead of Sean Strickland rematch

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, coach Eric Nicksick revealed a classy message from du Plessis ahead of the Strickland run-back.

“It’s hard to emulate what Dricus does because he’s very unorthodox but knows what he’s doing in his own style. There are so many things that we didn’t do right [at UFC 297]… I’m looking forward to this matchup again, Dricus wrote [to] me a couple of days ago, he’s like, ‘Yo, I’m excited to go against you again bro,’” Nicksick said of the Du Plessis vs. Strickland rematch. “I have all the love and respect for Dricus and his team, but this is our job.” (h/t SportsKeeda)

Du Plessis is undefeated in his UFC tenure with wins against the likes of Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till. He’s emerged as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world despite an unorthodox style.

Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 could kick off the 2025 UFC slate almost a full year after their first fight. In the meantime, both sides seem transfixed on their rematch ahead of a likely announcement.

Sean Strickland To Train With Bellator Champion For Dricus Du Plessis Rematch

It is all but official that Sean Strickland will be fighting Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship next. When they last fought in January 2024, DDP won a razor-close split decision to become the new champion. Strickland returned in June 2024 to win yet another split decision, this time against Paulo Costa which […]

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Strickland returned in June 2024 to win yet another split decision, this time against Paulo Costa which he believed to be enough for another title shot. Du Plessis, on the other hand, defended the title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, becoming the first fighter to submit “The Last Stylebender.”

To ensure Strickland doesn’t lose the rematch, Eric Nicksick will rely on a Bellator champion who brings out the best in his fighter…

Sean Strickland’s Coach Trusts Johhny Eblen With Emulating Dricus Du Plessis’ Style In Training

Nicksick recently appeared on the MMAFightingonSBN YouTube channel to discuss his fighters like Francis Ngannou, Strickland, and Daniel Zellhuber. When asked about the former UFC middleweight champion, he admitted that a better game plan could’ve helped him beat “Stillknocks”.

The coach then brought up Johnny Eblen, the reigning Bellator middleweight champion. The undefeated American fighter has defended the belt three times and will rematch Fabian Edwards in the upcoming Saudi Arabia card. After healing up from the fight, Nicksick expects Eblen to join Strickland in training for DDP.

“I’m bringing in Johnny Eblen, for sure. Like, I brought Johhny in, we brought Johnny in for, well, we bring him in all the time but Johnny will fight on the Saudi card so once he gets healed up and ready to come, we’ll have him out here. Johnny brings the best out of Sean, and in styles, I think Johnny can emulate so many different styles for us. He’s another guy I consider a teammate although he’s a, you know, ATT champion. We cross train quite a bit so I’m gonna lean heavy on Johnny Eblen this camp.”

The coach credited Du Plessis for having an unorthodox yet effective fighting style. Although it is hard to copy such a fighter, he believes Eblen to be the best at it. Despite being an American Top Team fighter, he regularly cross-trains at Xtreme Couture.

On top of having the best training partners possible, Nicksick wants to rectify a bunch of errors this time around. He highlighted Strickland’s high dependency on his jab and believes adding more tools to his fighter’s arsenal could be worthwhile.

ALSO READ: Bisping Sees UFC Championship Potential In Artem Vakhitov

Continue Reading Sean Strickland To Train With Bellator Champion For Dricus Du Plessis Rematch at MMA News.

Jon Anik Breaks Down the UFC Middleweight Division and What’s Next For It’s Top 3 Contenders

Jon Anik thinks the UFC’s middleweight division has never been stronger. As it stands, there are a slew of…

Jon Anik thinks the UFC’s middleweight division has never been stronger.

As it stands, there are a slew of potential title challengers at 185, namely Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Khamzat Chimaev, and Nassourdine Imavov. The question of who’s next for reigning titleholder Dricus Du Plessis is by no means an easy one, but for the longtime play-by-play man, Strickland makes the most sense.

Not just because he sits as the division’s top-ranked contender, but because he’s earned the rematch by being a company man through and through.

“I don’t think it’s hyperbolic or overstating it to suggest that the middleweight division, right now, has never been stronger,” Anik told The Schmo. “Right? Sean Strickland’s a worthy number-one contender. Nassourdine Imavov, on and on it could go!”

He continued, “In a straight meritocracy, I’m on record as promoting Sean Strickland because he has repeatedly stepped up for the promotion. Let us not forget he put his number four ranking on the line against Alex Pereira when nobody wanted to fight ‘Poatan.’ He has stepped into main events against guys, he’s stepped into a five round fight against Paulo Costa. And he fought Dricus Du Plessis toe-to-toe. So in a straight meritocracy, if I’m the promoter, I lean Strickland.”

Jon Anik thinks ‘Borz’ could be next for izzy

Even though UFC CEO Dana White has already promised Strickland his rematch with Du Plessis, it’s not quite that simple. Later this month, we’ve got a big matchup between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev that could very well produce the next middleweight title challenger.

Then there’s Israel Adesanya who, despite having lost back-to-back bouts, is always right there in the title picture and could step in at a moment’s notice.

Asked what’s next for ‘The Last Stylebender,’ Anik suggested that a clash with Chimaev could be his ticket back to the title, but that all depends on how things play out between ‘Borz’ and Whittaker in Abu Dhabi on October 26.

“I think if you’re Izzy, you just lay back in the cut and maybe it’s Khamzat. I mean that’s a fight that I think would have some appeal but Khamzat could be in a championship setting.”

Jon Anik Shares Best Potential Matchups For Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis

The UFC middleweight division has changed a lot in the last couple of years. The turmoil that started after Anderson Silva finally lost the belt ended with Israel Adesanya unifying the title and defending it five times. Alex Pereira then fired through the ranks to take out Izzy at UFC 281 but “The Last Stylebender” […]

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Alex Pereira then fired through the ranks to take out Izzy at UFC 281 but “The Last Stylebender” reclaimed his belt at UFC 287 with one of the most iconic knockouts of all time.

Just when it seemed like Adesanya would be champion for at least a couple more years, Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets of all time to become champ. He then lost the belt to Dricus Du Plessis, who’s already defended it once against Adesanya.

Amidst the unusual turbulence at the top ranks, here’s how the UFC middleweight division should operate according to Jon Anik…

Jon Anik Backs Sean Strickland As Next UFC Middleweight Title Contender While Suggesting Israel Adesanya vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Anik claimed the UFC middleweight division to be stronger than ever during an interview on the official The Schmo YouTube channel. When asked about who should fight for the title next, the play-by-play commentator named Strickland.

“I don’t think it’s hyperbolic or overstating it to suggest that the middleweight division, right now, has never been stronger. Right? Sean Strickland’s a worthy number-one contender. Nassourdine Imavov, on and on it could go!”

Anik backed his choice by recalling the times Strickland has stepped up for the UFC and citing his recent win over Paulo Costa and the extremely close decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis, the current champ. He also credited the former UFC middleweight kingpin for risking his top 5 ranking against Pereira in 2022.

“Well, in a straight meritocracy, I’m on record as promoting Sean Strickland because he has repeatedly stepped up for the promotion. Let us not forget he put his number four ranking on the line against Alex Pereira when nobody wanted to fight Poatan. He has stepped into main events against guys, he’s stepped into a five round fight against Paulo Costa. And he fought Dricus Du Plessis toe-to-toe. So in a straight meritocracy, if I’m the promoter, I lean Strickland.”

Although he’s no longer the champ, Adesanya is still likely the biggest draw in the division. So, when asked about the best matchup for his return, Anik named Chimaev who’s fighting Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. With that match, the former champ should be able to make the most of his star power and help elevate Chimaev’s popularity as well.

“I think if you’re Izzy, you just lay back in the cut and maybe it’s Khamzat. I mean that’s a fight that I think would have some appeal but Khamzat could be in a championship setting.”

Anik acknowledged that the match between Whittaker and Chimaev is bound to shake things up. The winner will likely have an undeniable claim to a title shot and it’ll be interesting to see whether Strickland will be overlooked in the process.

READ MORE: Former UFC Champ Highlights ‘Weirdest Thing’ About Fighting Alex Pereira

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UFC: Israel Adesanya Sides with Dricus Du Plessis in Sean Strickland Rematch: ‘He’s Just So Weird’

Israel Adesanya sees Dricus Du Plessis going two-up on Sean Strickland. After coming up short against Du Plessis in…

Israel Adesanya sees Dricus Du Plessis going two-up on Sean Strickland.

After coming up short against Du Plessis in August, ‘The Last Stylebender’ will sit back and watch two other fighters compete over the UFC middleweight title for the first time in more than five years. Though no official announcements have been made, ‘DDP’ is expected to run it back with Strickland in the South African’s home country.

Meanwhile, Adesanya will look to fight his way back towards the top of the rankings in hopes of one day making history as a three-time middleweight titleholder.

Until then, the Nigerian-born New Zealander offered his prediction for the impending sequel scrap between the last two men to have beaten him inside the Octagon.

“They already fought before. I fought both of them,” Adesanya said on The Adam Corolla Show. “I think Du Plessis might get it done again. He’s just so weird. The way he fights is awkward. He’s stubborn. No matter how tired he gets, he’ll still just throw, just to stop you in your tracks or stop you from doing what you’re doing. And he’ll just throw and hope. It wouldn’t really land, but it would stop what you’re trying to progress” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Sean Strickland Will finally get his rematch with Du Plessis

Du Plessis bested Strickland at UFC 297 in January via split decision to claim the middleweight title. Since then, ‘Tarzan’ has been clamoring for a rematch. All signs point to his wish being granted after returning to the win column courtesy of a win against Paulo Costa in June.

‘DDP’ is a perfect 8-0 in his UFC run while Strickland has won four of his last five.

Sean Strickland Reignites Feud with David Goggins: “I will end your little ass … You’re back in Afghanistan, son.”

Just when you thought the rivalry between Sean Strickland and David Goggins was dead and buried, ‘Tarzan’ had to…

Just when you thought the rivalry between Sean Strickland and David Goggins was dead and buried, ‘Tarzan’ had to go and dig it back up.

Earlier this year, Strickland rubbed a lot of fight fans and military members the wrong way when he suggested that there wasn’t a single Navy SEAL who could hang with him in the gym. Ex-SEAL Mitch Aguiar stepped up to the plate and agreed to spar with Strickland. Needless to say, things didn’t go well for Aguiar, but he more than earned Strickland’s respect.

Responding to Strickland’s disrespectful comments, David Goggins, another former Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner, agreed to strap on some gloves and go a few rounds with the former middleweight champion on one condition.

“Three days training with me and I will be more than happy to put the gloves on and spar with you,” Gogging said in a post on social media.

Strickland welcomed Goggins to come to his gym in Las Vegas anytime he wanted to put his money where his mouth is.

“This is why I make fun of you,” Strickland replied. “I live in Las Vegas, you live in Las Vegas….. I train at xtreme couture everyday, the door is always open… instead let’s get on the tiktok and make a video lol..@mitch_aguiar showed…. all you gotta do is walk in the door.”

“Cracks me up to hear David Garggle Goggins rant… ‘I’m old school’ as he’s on tiktok ‘let’s handle this like men.’ Ok sure. I’m in Vegas, you’re in Vegas….. I train at the same gym everyday.. IM EASY TO FIND!” he added in a post on ‘X’. “You on the other hand…. you just live on tiktok….location?” (h/t Middle Easy).

Sean Strickland Rekindles his rivalry with David goggins

From there, things quieted down between the two and Strickland seemingly squashed his beef with Goggins. That was until during a recent interview with The Schmo when ‘Tarzan’ opened those old wounds and poured a heap of salt into them.

Sean Strickland has some really harsh words for David Goggins:

"I will break your f#cking face dude, I will injure your little ass bro. I'll f#cking f#ck you up so bad, you'll think you're back in Afghanistan"

VIA | @TheSchmo312 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/sGnNprov63

— FEDZ_MMA (@Fedzmma) September 28, 2024

“Let me tell you why I make fun of Navy SEALs. The moment these c**ts become influencers, it’s fair game,” Strickland said. “You’re supposed to be a badass Navy SEAL. You’re supposed to be merking motherf***ers. Now I see you roided out on the gram talking about staying hard. You don’t know what hard is. You’re an influencer. I could f**k you if I wanted to Goggins.”

“With that being said, Goggins, I will break your f**king face, dude. I will end your little ass, bro. I’ll f**k you up so bad you’ll think you’re back in Afghanistan, son,” he added. “You don’t want a piece of this. You better stay your a** on the f**king running.”

“I do a man’s game. I’m not running like a little woman. Prey runs motherf***er. You’re going to be running from me,” he continued. “If you want a piece my dog, come to Xtreme. You’re in Vegas. I’m in Vegas. All you’ve got to do is get those little f**king legs and walk. You could jog to the f**king place. I am there. I will sodomize you, Googins.”

Goggins has not responded to Strickland as of this writing.