Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland exchange insults and have a tense staredown at UFC 312 press conference

Dricus du Plessis e Sean Strickland in front of the UFC 312 (Photo: Playback/YouTube)

In the early hours of this Thursday (5), the main stars of UFC 312 gathered in Sydney, Australia, for the official press conference of the event, which takes place next Saturday (8). As it could not be otherwise, the highlight was Dricus du Plessis e Sean Strickland, rivals in the middleweight belt dispute (up to 83,9 kg), who exchanged insults before engaging in a tense staredown.

Although the atmosphere between the rivals is lighter than in the first clash, won by Du Plessis at the beginning of last year, there was still room for plenty of provocation between the two.

“Let me tell you something about the Dutchman, which is a cool nickname by the way. This guy fights like a ret***** on a special bus. Dricus, I respect you for that, because you fight like a f***ing maniac! But I won that fight and I’m going to win this one, so f*** it, get ready and let’s make this happen,” Strickland said.

The South African's answer seemed to already be on the tip of his tongue.

“Yes, I fight like someone on a special bus, but you look like the driver. Your presence around children should no longer be allowed with that look,” the champion replied.

After the questions from the reporters present at the press conference were over, the traditional face-off between the fighters took place. Du Plessis and Strickland stood face to face in an intense but silent manner and without physical contact.

VIDEO: Watch the staredown between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland