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UFC fighters react to Sean Strickland's broken nose, Dricus Du Plessis win

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By A.K. Jones | Last updated Feb 9, 2025 9:10 AM ET

The rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland took place in the main event at UFC 312.

In their first fight, they went the full five rounds, with a close decision declaring Du Plessis the winner by two of the three judges. This time around a suspected staph infection on Strickland's arm caused concern for fans before the fight even began.

Before the fight began, Henry Cejudo made a bold prediction.

Dricus Du Plessis is going to knock Sean Strickland out in the second round #UFC312
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 9, 2025

That didn't end up happening and UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was not impressed by the affair.

“Saturday we’re gonna go to war”

… continues the trend of teep/jab all round 1
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 9, 2025

Many fighters thought Strickland needed to turn up the action or he'd lose the fight again.

Dricuss pressing a lot of buttons on the controller and it’s starting to pay off at the end of RD. It could be 1-1 or 2-0 DDP. Strickland needs to pick it up here. #UFC312
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 9, 2025

The damage is adding up on both men.
But DDP still slightly higher output. 2-0 #UFC312
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 9, 2025

This fight is boring af!!!
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) February 9, 2025

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was not impressed and he wasn't alone. The fans were booing throughout many points of the fight.

I thought these guys were gonna fight to the death? #UFC312
— Johnny Muñoz (@KidKvenbo) February 9, 2025

If Strickland fights like that he’s gonna lose again. He’s just not doing enough to win a decision against a guy like DDP.
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) February 9, 2025

In the fourth round, Strickland broke his nose and began gushing blood. Many thought the fight would be over within seconds but Strickland hung on and made it to the final round.

Dricus du Plessis seemingly broke Sean Strickland's nose with a right hand in the 4th round #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/N6obgVeRik
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 9, 2025

Jamahall Hill even thought Strickland might get a comeback win.

Strickland is building for a late finish!!!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) February 9, 2025

Unfortunately for Strickland, he was not able to get the revenge he was after and Du Plessis won on the scorecards again. This time the judges were unanimous.

This article first appeared on MMA Weekly and was syndicated with permission.

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