Dricus du Plessis’ Hilarious Reaction to Alex Pereira Being in Sean Strickland’s Corner For UFC 312

Dricus du Plessis (DDP) is set to face Sean Strickland in Sydney at UFC 312 next weekend, and it has been announced light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will be in the latter’s corner for the bout.

DDP is not the slightest bit concerned by this, however, laughing at the idea in his interview with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS.

The South African fighter said: “He was in the corner in the first fight too. I mean, they don’t even speak the same language. It doesn’t really make much of a difference if he is or not. Strickland could barely understand his own coach who’s also American. How is he going to understand Alex Pereira?”

Mahjouri found the answer amusing and followed it up by asking how the Brazilian’s advice would work in Strickland’s favour, despite the language barrier. DDP bluntly responded with: “It doesn’t.”

Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 2

Du Plessis won their first fight via split decision

Du Plessis and Strickland previously fought back in 2024 at UFC 297, in what was dubbed ‘Fight of the Night.’ Du Plessis was victorious on this occasion, winning the UFC middleweight championship via split decision after a competitive five-round contest. Strickland disagreed with the decision, however, saying that he believed he was the better fighter last time and plans to make amends for his loss, but that the issues are not personal.

With this victory, Du Plessis became the first South African to win a UFC title, and since then, the champion has successfully defended his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, winning via submission.

Since dropping the title, Strickland has not had to wait long for a rematch. He defeated Paulo Costa via split decision at UFC 302, and made it clear he would not compete again unless it was for the middleweight championship.

Despite being in his corner now, Pereira has not always been Strickland’s close friend, previously fighting against the American back in 2022. The Brazilian was victorious on this occasion, having knocked his opponent out in the very first round.

Since the fight, the two have become friends outside of the cage, despite Pereira speaking little English, and frequently train together. Strickland will be hoping this extra voice will help him regain his title.

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