"Best s**t fighter in the world" - Israel Adesanya offers eye-opening take on how Dricus du Plessis could disrupt Sean Strickland at UFC 312

Dricus du Plessis is being favored by Israel Adesanya to emerge victorious over Sean Strickland at UFC 312. 'The Last Stylebender' and fellow former ex-middleweight champion Robert Whittaker joined the MMArcade Podcast, where they previewed the UFC 312 headliner.

Given his experience in facing both du Plessis and Strickland, Adesanya knows more than a thing or two about their respective skill-sets. While Adesanya acknowledges that Strickland's pressure is a highly effective asset, he believes that du Plessis' awkwardness can disturb Strickland's momentum.

"If I'm going to give the edge to anyone, it'd be Dricus in that fight, even though Sean will definitely try and walk him down and get him worn out. But one thing about Dricus is he's just awkward. He would throw just to stop you in your tracks."

Adesanya expanded on this awkwardness, detailing a particular moment in his bout with the South African star that made him realize how difficult he is to face.

"There was one, I remember when I sprawled on him and head hit the mat, I tried to kick him on the ground and I was like get up. And I advanced, and straight away he just went [simulates a wild, lunging haymaker], and I had to stop. I had to stop, so I stop my momentum and I had to reset. So he's just weird, man. He's like the best s**t fighter in the world. He's so good."

Check out Israel Adesanya previewing Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 (0:11):

Ultimately, du Plessis defeated Adesanya via fourth-round submission. Meanwhile, 'The Last Stylebender's' bout with Strickland took on a different complexion, with the latter's defensive striking providing few openings for Adesanya's counters. Moreover, Strickland showed excellent low-kicking defense.

In the end, he outworked and walked Adesanya down for five rounds en route to a unanimous decision.

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Dricus du Plessis beat Sean Strickland the first time

There is good reason to favor Dricus du Plessis in his rematch with Sean Strickland, even if some don't. When the two locked horns for the first time at UFC 297, it was a highly competitive bout, but the South African ultimately pulled off the win via split-decision to capture middleweight gold.

Check out Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 1 highlights:

While Strickland contested the result, du Plessis believes the win was never in doubt and aims to prove his superiority once and for all come UFC 312. Now that both men are familiar with each other's fighting styles, it will be their game planning that will take center-stage in their rematch.