In a stunning turn of events, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has embarked on a peculiar experiment as part of his training regimen leading up to the highly anticipated UFC 297 clash against Dricus Du Plessis.
Following his upset victory over Israel Adesanya to claim the title in September, Strickland (28-5) is gearing up for his first title defense on January 20 in Toronto. The unexpected twist in this narrative lies not only in Strickland’s unconventional training methods but also in the backstory that led to the matchup against Du Plessis (20-2).
Initially poised for a rematch with Adesanya, Strickland faced a curveball as the former champion opted for an indefinite hiatus from professional competition. This decision paved the way for Du Plessis, who had previously been scheduled to face Adesanya before Strickland, but had to take a break due to injury.
Strickland’s Unconventional Training Approach Sets the Stage for UFC 297 Battle Against Du Plessis
Sean Strickland is experimenting with his training as champion now pic.twitter.com/EvO0011Nqw
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) November 9, 2023
Strickland’s journey to the middleweight crown is nothing short of remarkable. Just a year ago, he suffered consecutive defeats against Alex Pereira and Jared Cannonier, seemingly distant from title contention. However, a rapid turnaround saw him secure three consecutive victories, culminating in the championship win over Adesanya.
Meanwhile, Du Plessis earned his title shot by knocking out former champion Robert Whittaker in July. Boasting an undefeated 5-0 record in the UFC, he has showcased his prowess with notable finishes against fighters like Derek Brunson and Darren Till.
As fight night approaches, Strickland’s unorthodox approach to training adds an intriguing layer to an already compelling storyline. The clash between these two dynamic fighters promises to be a highlight of UFC 297, with Strickland seeking to solidify his reign and Du Plessis aiming to seize the opportunity that injury denied him earlier in the year.
The mixed martial arts world eagerly awaits the outcome of this middleweight showdown, wondering if Strickland’s unconventional methods will prove to be the secret ingredient for a successful title defense.