Exclusive: UFC middleweight issues honest prediction for Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland title fight at UFC 312: "It was close last time"

The Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland rematch at UFC 312 has just received one of its first predictions from a fellow roster-mate. In fact, it is from a fellow UFC middleweight in Jared Cannonier, who recently spoke to Sportskeeda's James Lynch in an exclusive interview.

According to Cannonier, Strickland should be favored to dethrone du Plessis for the middleweight title, which du Plessis had actually captured from Strickland himself. Despite Strickland being the loser of the first fight, Cannonier made his case for 'Tarzan' to win the rematch.

"The first one was close. I think... I see Sean coming back with a bit more fire in his belly. But it was close last time, I think Sean did more damage last time as well. I think he's gonna take that momentum that he did more damage and really try to close the deal in their next fight."

When asked by Lynch if he believes that Strickland will indeed emerge victorious at UFC 312, Cannonier expressed some confidence in the outcome.

"Well, yeah. I would say so. If he catches du Plessis off-balance, maybe rushing in, with a nice stiff jab or counter-slip jab, or slip-whatever, you know how he does his thing, puts him on his heels with his teeps and stuff and keeps the pressure on, I think Sean can get it done."

Check out Jared Cannonier's prediction for Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2 (8:10):

The first bout between du Plessis and Strickland was somewhat controversial, with some believing that Strickland had done enough to win, including Strickland himself. Now, at UFC 312, both men will have the chance to reassert their claim as the superior fighter.

The South African star followed up his win by submitting Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Meanwhile, Strickland bounced back from his razor-thin loss to du Plessis by overwhelming former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa in a five-rounder at UFC 302.

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Jared Cannonier has experience with one-half of the Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland rematch

While Jared Cannonier has never fought Dricus du Plessis, he has faced Sean Strickland, which may be a reason for him to favor 'Tarzan' over the defending middleweight champion. The pair locked horns at UFC Vegas 66, dragging each other to a highly competitive split decision.

Check out Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland:

Despite Strickland's best efforts, Cannonier was declared the victor, despite the result being controversial, much like Strickland's own loss to du Plessis.