While the UFC 296 event was headlined by Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, the brawl between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis is seemingly stole the thunder of the Welterweight bout. Strickland and Du Plessis had an intense go at each other verbally during the pre-UFC 296 presser, and at the event, the two got involved in a physical scuffle. 

3 things you need to know

• Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis had an intense scuffle during UFC 296
• Both fighters are scheduled to fight at UFC 297
• Strickland is the current UFC Middleweight Champion

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Dricus Du Plessis opens up on brawl with Sean Strickland

During the press conference, Du Plessis vowed to hit Strickland worse than his father ever did, a reference to the abuse that 'Tarzan' has spoken about in the past. Sean Strickland's demeanor changed instantaneously as a result of the remark.

Following UFC CEO Dana White's choice to seat 'Tarzan' two seats in front of Dricus du Plessis at UFC 296, the duo clashed, and the South African has since spoken out about the incident.

"It's probably not a good example, but here we are. Things happen, nobody got hurt. All is good... I don't care about him being triggered. He goes and he says whatever he wants... and now there's one thing that's a soft spotted trigger for him and now we're not allowed to say it?" Du Plessis said during an interview ESPN.

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Dricus Du Plessis' advice to Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 297

After expressing thoughts on the ugly brawl, Du Plessis was asked if he had a word of advice for the Middleweight Champion. Stillknocks suggested Strickland to remain calm going into the fight.

"He needs to get calm in his head. He needs to regain his composure. I know I'm not the champ yet, so I shouldn't really give the champ advice. But that would be my advice... you make mistakes when you're not calm."

Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2023, at UFC 297.