Du Plessis outclasses Strickland to retain title
South Africa's Dricus du Plessis outclassed Sean Strickland to retain his middleweight title by unanimous decision at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia.
The 31-year-old was the far busier and more effective striker as he claimed his second win over the American.
Two judges scored the contest 50-45 with the other calling it 49-46 in Du Plessis' favour.
"I told you guys, to knock him out is next to impossible. I wanted a submission, knockout or absolute domination over a five-rounder and that's what I gave," said Du Plessis.
"I am a top three pound-for-pound fighter as of tonight and I'm coming for that number one spot."
In the co-main event, China's Zhang Weili defended her strawweight title with a masterful performance against American Tatiana Suarez.
The 35-year-old was the pre-fight underdog but out-struck and out-grappled Suarez on her way to a unanimous decision victory.
Du Plessis closes Strickland rivalry
The fight was a rematch of their bout just over a year ago, when Du Plessis triumphed via split decision following a back-and-forth contest.
Strickland, 33, believes he should have been awarded victory that night, but can have no complaints about the judges at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
Strickland, who had light-heavyweight and former middleweight champion Alex Pereira in his corner, had angered Australian media during fight week with a series of inflammatory comments but was cheered by fans as he made his walkout.
Du Plessis received a mixed reception but was not fazed as he took control of the fight in the early stages.
Strickland spent much of the contest methodically using his jab and front kick, with Du Plessis delivering more output and landing the more eye-catching strikes.
The South African, who was making the second defence of his belt, mixed up his kicks and punches well, with Strickland's corner growing more frustrated as the rounds slipped by.
A big moment came in the fourth round, as a huge right hand from Du Plessis appeared to break Strickland's nose, seeing the American quickly back off.
With blood gushing down his face, he showed remarkable toughness to survive until the end of the fight, but was unable to deliver any significant damage to Du Plessis.
In his post-fight interview, Du Plessis took aim at Perreira, asking "is there no one else?", in response to the Brazilian saying previously he would be interested in a future matchup.
Weili ends Suarez's undefeated streak
Two-time champion Weili was making the third defence of her second reign as she looked to add gloss to her status as one of the greatest strawweights of all time.
It was Suarez who came into the contest as the favourite, however, after winning the first 10 fights of her mixed martial arts career.
Since making her UFC debut in 2016 the 34-year-old has dominated the majority of her opponents, earning five finishes in seven bouts in the promotion.
Suarez took Weili down early - the first time in eights bouts she had surrendered a takedown - before controlling the action on the ground for the majority of the round, but it proved to be one of the few times she got the better of the champion.
Weili took control in the second round, reversing a takedown and landing some pummelling shots on the ground, and she never looked back.
Weili rocked Suarez with a big right midway through the fight, before continuing to defend takedowns and land at will.
As the fight wore on, Weili's superior speed showed as she avoided any danger, before stamping her authority on the contest by controlling the remaining action on the ground.
"I had a full camp for this fight so I was well-prepared. I respect Tataina, she's very strong," said Weili.
"I don't care if I was the underdog, I just focused myself. I just want to say Aussie Aussie Aussie!"
