UFC - Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 1 | FULL FIGHT | UFC 312
Drake is Dupi challenged Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title, showcasing his ability to go the full 25 minutes in a competitive match. Strickland started strong with effective jabs, controlling the early rounds. However, Dupi adapted by incorporating takedowns and maintaining forward pressure, which disrupted Strickland's rhythm. Despite Strickland's strong jab and defensive skills, Dupi's adjustments and relentless pressure allowed him to land significant strikes and takedowns, particularly in the later rounds. The fight was closely contested, with both fighters showing resilience and skill. Ultimately, Dupi's ability to adapt and maintain pressure earned him a split decision victory, marking his first UFC title win.
Key Points:
- Drake is Dupi won by split decision after a closely contested fight.
- Strickland's early dominance with jabs was countered by Dupi's takedowns and pressure.
- Dupi's ability to adapt and maintain pressure was crucial to his victory.
- Both fighters showed resilience, with Dupi landing significant strikes in later rounds.
- The fight highlighted Dupi's endurance and strategic adjustments.
Details:
1. 🥊 UFC Title Fight Kickoff: Dricus vs. Strickland
- Dricus Du Plessis has achieved a commendable 6-0 start in the UFC, signifying his rising prominence in the sport and earning him a title challenge opportunity.
- Sean Strickland is not only aiming to defend his title but also to secure his 16th career win, showcasing his experience and skill in the octagon.
- The fight represents a pivotal moment for both fighters: for Du Plessis, it's a chance to solidify his status as a top contender, while for Strickland, it's an opportunity to reaffirm his dominance in the division.
- Du Plessis's fighting strategy and unbeaten record will be tested against Strickland's seasoned experience and tactical prowess.
- This matchup is significant for the UFC middleweight division, potentially reshaping the contender landscape depending on the outcome.
2. 🔄 Tactical Dynamics: Jabs and Kicks
2.1. 🔄 Tactical Dynamics: Leg and Hand Strike Integration
2.2. 🦵 Strategic Application of Kicks
3. 🔍 Strickland's Defensive Precision
- Public opinion suggested Strickland would benefit in a long fight if he could weather an early storm, as his opponent had never fought into a fourth round in his UFC career.
- Strickland effectively checked kicks, which is unusual for fighters with an upright boxing stance, causing his opponent to stop kicking.
- Strickland's frequent use of the jab and upright stance makes him a target for attacks on his lead leg, but his experience in this stance seems to give him an edge.
- Strickland neutralized his opponent's best kick strategy by stopping the C kick, which is usually used to set up high attacks.
- His ability to adapt his stance and effectively counter leg kicks provided a strategic advantage, forcing his opponent to alter tactics.
- Strickland's control over the fight pace and his defensive readiness contributed to sustaining his energy for potential later rounds, playing into his strategic long-game plan.
4. ⚡ Du Plessis' Offensive Pressure
- Du Plessis effectively uses his jab to create openings, requiring Strickland to adjust defensively.
- Du Plessis' integration of takedowns into his strategy adds complexity, forcing Strickland to reconsider his stance and approach.
- Strickland's defensive posture, involving shoulder blocks against jabs, is challenged by Du Plessis' diverse tactics.
- Takedowns by Du Plessis prompt Strickland to potentially lower his stance for better defense.
- Strickland may need to adopt a lower stance to defend against Du Plessis' double-leg takedowns.
- Despite being taken down twice, Strickland shows resilience and adaptability in his defense.
5. 🛡️ Mid-Fight Adjustments and Strategies
5.1. Effective Use of Jab
5.2. Kick Strategy
5.3. Corner Strategy
5.4. Defensive Techniques
5.5. Unconventional Attacks
5.6. Impact of Body Strikes
6. 🚀 Building Momentum: Key Exchanges
- Strickland maintains control in the center with a steady jab, crucial for dictating the pace and space.
- Draus uses faints to provoke reactions and create openings for kicks and punches, aiming to disrupt Strickland's rhythm.
- Strickland demonstrates defensive skills by checking kicks immediately after landing them, showcasing readiness.
- Strickland's evasive maneuvers, such as leaning back, show comfort but expose him to potential counterattacks.
- Effective leg defense from Strickland includes checking and countering kicks, maintaining a solid defensive stance.
- Duplicity targets body shots more aggressively, setting up other strikes as Strickland leans back, exploiting openings.
7. 🔥 Championship Rounds: Intense Action
7.1. Strategic Adjustments and Performance Insights
7.2. Physical Condition and Impact
8. 🏆 Penultimate Round: Pushing Limits
- DUPC has not landed any low kicks, affecting his usual strategy to set up boxing through kicks.
- Strickland's defense is preventing DUPC from executing his typical blitzing strategy.
- DUPC maintains a forward motion strategy, keeping Strickland on the defense, and avoiding being on the back foot.
- DUPC's face is swelling due to multiple jabs, indicating damage, but he is reaching Strickland more effectively as the fight progresses.
- DUPC uses diverse speeds and directions in his strikes, including multiple spinning back fist attempts, landing one.
- Strickland effectively uses his jab but needs to increase its frequency to counter DUPC's aggressive approach.
- Strickland is more accurate and probably landing more hits, but DUPC's constant activity poses a challenge.
- If the fight goes to scorecards, damage assessment will be crucial, with DUPC showing more facial damage.