The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has released the official trailer for the title rematch between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland, set to take place in Australia next month at UFC 312.
Du Plessis won the title by a contentious split decision against Strickland in Canada at UFC 297. The win saw him make history as the first South African to win a UFC title.
However, after the fight, Strickland and some fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the judge's decision, arguing that he should have been declared the winner on the night.
UFC boss Dana White echoed the same sentiments, revealing that he had scored the bout in the American's favour.
“I had it 2-2 going into the last round and I thought that Strickland won the last round. Guys who were sitting at the same table had it the other way. It was a close fight,” White said to the media at the time.
Du Plessis disagreed with White's assertion that Strickland should have won the close fight, saying he deserved his victory.
"Stillknocks" went on to successfully defend his title against Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya submitting the two-time champion in the fourth round after landing some heavy blows.
His victory over Adesanya, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, silenced some of his critics and doubters who believed that he had solidified his status as the king of the middleweight division.
However, questions still lingered about his initial victory against Strickland. Du Plessis has vowed to leave nothing to chance in the Octagon when they meet next month.
"This time they won't call it a robbery, they will call attempted murder."
Meanwhile, Strickland has also vowed to reclaim his title against the South African, setting up what promises to be a mouthwatering clash.
IOL Sport