207 - Dricus Du Plessis DESTROYS 300 Years of Boxing Strategy by Trying Harder
Feb 9, 2025
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The hosts critique UFC 312, feeling the main card didn't deliver compared to the preliminaries. They dive deep into the strategies of the main event fighters, emphasizing adaptability and the influence of coach-fighter relationships. A fight that began dominantly but ended in a draw highlights MMA's unpredictability. They analyze grappling techniques, especially Dagestani methods, and the significance of footwork. Plus, they discuss how body jabs and rehydration impact fighter performance in the octagon.
Drickus Du Plessis effectively neutralized Sean Strickland's powerful jab through strategic adaptability and diverse techniques, demonstrating tactical superiority throughout the fight.
UFC 312's disappointing main card presentation highlighted fan frustrations with card curation, contrasting the energy observed in the preliminary matchups.
Deep dives
UFC 312 Overview
UFC 312 featured a card that many found disappointing, showcasing notable fighters like Justin Taffer, Jimmy Crute, and Jake Matthews, but lacking excitement. The main card included a matchup between Drickus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, sparking mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. While the prelims had promising bouts, the overall presentation of the main card left much to be desired, especially considering the $80 price tag for the event. Fans expressed disappointment regarding the perceived laziness in card curation and presentation, contrasting the energy seen in preliminary matchups.
Du Plessis vs. Strickland Fight Analysis
Drickus Du Plessis delivered an impressive performance against Sean Strickland, successfully neutralizing Strickland's powerful jab, which is central to his fighting style. Du Plessis demonstrated strategic superiority by using both hands to deflect Strickland's jab while controlling the fight's pace and direction. He frequently used his high guard to manage the distance and countered effectively, leading to a pivotal moment where he broke Strickland's nose. Throughout the fight, Du Plessis showcased a diverse array of techniques, effectively utilizing kicks and crafty hand fighting to impose his game plan.
Strickland's Struggles and Limitations
Sean Strickland's performance highlighted his reliance on the jab and teep kick as his primary weapons, showing significant limitations when they were neutralized. Despite being known for his toughness, he failed to adapt during the fight, allowing Du Plessis to dictate the action and increasingly struggle to unleash his combinations. Strickland's mental approach to the fight came into question as he seemed hesitant to take risks or innovate when faced with adversity, ultimately coasting to a loss. This raises concerns for his future matchups, as his success may heavily depend on opponents that are unable to counter or break his jab.
Insights from Other Fights on the Card
The co-main event featured Zhang Wei Li taking on Tatiana Suarez, where Wei Li demonstrated her striking skills despite Suarez's background as a wrestler. As the fight progressed, it became evident that Suarez lacked the evolving striking game needed at the highest level, allowing Wei Li to capitalize on her weaknesses. Other notable bouts, such as the entertaining clash between Jimmy Crute and Rodolfo Bellato, showcased fighters adapting various strategies to secure results, including a rare majority draw. This event overall illuminated the challenges competitors face in refining their skills, with striking adaptability being a common theme for success.