UFC 312: Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2: Live round-by-round updates

A middleweight title fight rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland will headline UFC 312, later this evening (Feb.8) at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

Reigning champion, Du Plessis (22-2) has been a powerhouse in the UFC since his debut. After winning the belt from 'Tarzan' last year, 'Stillknocks' made an impressive title defense against Israel Adesanya, a performance that silenced many doubters about this unconventional fighting style.

One-punch knockout power, awkward but effective footwork, and efficient grappling, the South African had it all. Couple that with his durability and pressure-based style, Du Plessis is a nightmare for any middleweight.

Strickland (29-6), on the other hand, is one of the best strikers in the division. His Philly shell-esque guard and laser-sharp jabs make 'Tarzan' a formidable foe. The former champion boasts wins over the likes of Adesanya, Paulo Costa, and Nassourdine Imavov among others.

Strickland believes he was robbed against 'Stillknocks' the first time and hopes to secure a decisive win at UFC 312.

Du Plessis will head into the pay-per-view as a -218 favorite over the +180 underdog Strickland. The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Check out the final face-off between the headliners below:

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UFC 312: Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2

Round 1

As the fight starts Sean Strickland starts working his jab. 'Tarzan' is expertly using his jabs and starts to maintain distance. A beautiful high kick partially lands for the champion.

'Stillknocks' employs leg kicks, but most of them are getting checked by the challenger. A beautiful 1-2 splits Strickland's guard. While Strickland is dictating the pace of the fight, the more power shots are landing for the champion.

Another left high kick partially lands for Du Plessis. The jab is still money for 'Tarzan' as he lands with laser precision.

Our score: 10-9 Du Plessis, Du Plessis 10-9 overall.

Round 2

Strickland is now mixing it up with teeps to control distance. An overhand right lands for 'Tarzan' and the champion answers with a looping left hand.

Du Plessis explodes with a right hand but fails to connect. A powerful counter left lands for Strickland. Another counter jab lands for 'Tarzan'. The challenger is bleeding from his mount and a cut has opened up on the champion's nose.

Du Plessis connects his opponent with a high kick. He follows it up with a 1-2 combo. A question mark kick lands for the South African. 'Tarzan' catches his opponent with a powerful counter. A very close round.

Our score: 10-9 Strickland, 19-19 even overall.

Round 3

A power right-hand lands for Du Plessis. The champion is clearly landing the more damaging strikes. 'Tarzan' might need to ramp up his activity to win back the round.

Back-to-back right-hands land for Strickland. Du Plessis lands a powerful spinning back fist and the challenger eats it like it was nothing. 'Stillknocks' is baking on body shots, which is sure to pay dividends as the fight progresses.

A powerful elbow lands for the champion. Strickland lands two back-to-back right hands. Du Plessis tries to level change but 'Tarzan' quickly gets back to his feet.

Our score: 10-9 Du Plessis, Du Plessis 29-28 overall.

Round 4

Stickland seems like he is finding it hard to get going on his feet. A powerful right-hand lands for the champion. Wow!!! The punch seems to have broken 'Tarzan's' nose. Strickland is in survival mode and the champion goes headhunting.

Strickland faced I bloodied up. One more clean punch might end the fight. A powerful right-hand lands for 'Tarzan' but he will need more to win the round.

Du Plessis connects with another powerful right hand. 'Tarzan' shows a glimmer of hope as he stuns the champion with a right hand.

'Stillknock' is focusing his punches on his opponent's nose. Strickland sure can't take much more of this.

Our score: 10-9 Du Plessis, 39-37 overall.

Round 5

As the final round unfolds, Strickland might need a finish to win. Despite the urgency of the situation 'Tarzan' is still baking on his jabs and is unable to chain up combinations.

A powerful 1-2 land for Strickland, but the champion seems to have settled into a rhythm. Strickland tries to lock in a guillotine as Du Plessis attempts level change. Back to back, right hand to the headlands for 'Stillknocks'. 'Tarzan' once again rearranges his nose.

Du Plessis seems to be in full control and is connecting with greater accuracy, as the fight reaches its dying seconds. The closing bell rings and surely, Du Plessis will likely retain the middleweight strap.

Our score: 10-9 Du Plessis, 49-46 Du Plessis.

Official decision: Dricus du Plessis def. Sean Strickland via unanimous decision. (50-45,50-45,49-46)