Dricus du Plessis has heard enough from the raucous crowd in Sydney and he’s ready to shut them up when he defends his title against Sean Strickland in the UFC 312 main event.
That was the message from the reigning middleweight champion after the faced off with his opponent one last time during the ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday.
While the fighters shared another intense staredown, there was no pushing or shoving as the rivals were all about getting down to business. First things first, however, du Plessis reminded the fans in Sydney that he’s heard much worse from their counterparts to the east.
“For so many people, Perth is kicking your ass,” du Plessis said while referencing his appearance at UFC 305 where he tapped out Israel Adesanya in the main event. “You boo like losers.
“Tomorrow night, just like in Perth, I’m going to take your boy out. Enjoy it and let it cheer while you still can.”
While du Plessis has learned to embrace the boos, Strickland has certainly enjoyed the love and adoration the Australian crowd has shown him every time he appears in there.
Rocking an outback hat on stage, Strickland thanked the crowd for their support and then promised he was going to leave everything in the cage when he faced du Plessis for the second time on Saturday.
“I can’t wait to get out there and try to shorten this man’s life for you f*cking guys,” Strickland shouted. “As always, I appreciate you f*ckers. To the f*cking death, Dutchman!”
In the co-main event, strawweight champion Zhang Weili and challenger Tatiana Suarez stayed stoic and both were all about business as they go through final preparations.
“I’m just here to win a world title,” Suarez said. “I know I’m the best in the world and I look forward to proving it Sunday night.”
A woman of few words, Zhang promised to shut down Suarez and walk out of the cage as champion.
“This Sunday, and still!” Zhang said before leading the crowd in a chant as she left the stage.
UFC 312 goes down Saturday night in the United States with the pay-per-view main card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET.
