Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis 3? Daniel Cormier questions Trilogy as Dana White Weighs In

Dricus du Plessis couldn't have scripted a better return to title contention. Last Saturday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the South African delivered a statement win, reminding everyone exactly why he was champion in the first place with a commanding victory over former welterweight king Kamaru Usman. 

Naturally, the conversation quickly shifted to what comes next. While du Plessis has already made his intentions crystal clear, former two-division champion Daniel Cormier isn't convinced the most obvious answer, a third fight with Sean Strickland, is necessarily the one fans want to see.

Dana White Keeps Options open as Cormier Questions Strickland Trilogy

du Plessis left little doubt about his credentials in Oklahoma City. Across five rounds, he outworked and outstruck “The Nigerina Nightmare,” using his trademark unorthodox movement, speed, and size advantage to neutralize the former welterweight champion before earning a lopsided unanimous decision.

The victory immediately thrust the former middleweight champion back into the title picture. But when asked afterward whether the performance had earned DDP another crack at UFC gold, Dana White wasn't ready to commit.

When asked who should be next for Sean Strickland during the post-fight press conference, White kept his cards close to his chest, stating, “I don't think about that s**t tonight. He just fought a great fight, looked good and we will go back to the lab on Tuesday and start kicking it around.”

If anything, it's a familiar approach from the UFC CEO, who has often preferred to let the dust settle before publicly mapping out a division's future.

Daniel Cormier on Trilogy Bout

Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, however, believes the middleweight title picture presents a unique dilemma.

Divulging his thoughts following the bout, the UFC Hall of Famer acknowledged that, from a sporting standpoint, du Plessis has every reason to pursue the belt he lost. But he questioned whether another showdown with Strickland would generate the same excitement, given how decisively the 32-year-old handled him in both previous meetings.

"I believe that 2-0 with the last fight being so dominant, people almost don't want to go and watch another fight." Cormier argued that the second contest, in particular, made the rivalry feel settled.

He added, "Because the reality is this, no matter what Sean Strickland had done, if DDP was still the champion, I don't know if people would want to see him ever fight for the title again."

That said, Cormier admitted the competitor in him still appreciates the purity of a championship rivalry, stating, "So, do we want to see them fight for a third time? I do because I'm a purist." Instead, he floated another name that has steadily climbed the rankings.

"When they have seen the act twice and when it got worse the second time, I don't know. (Nassourdine) Imavov has earned the opportunity, let's see if he gets that opportunity."

DC’s comments reflect the unusual position the UFC finds itself in. du Plessis owns two convincing victories over the reigning champion, yet the optics of booking an immediate trilogy are complicated because neither contest was particularly competitive. At the same time, contenders such as Imavov have continued to build their own case for a title shot.

Dricus du Plessis Makes Intentions Clear With Message to Strickland

While White remains noncommittal and Cormier weighs the merits of another title fight, “Stillknocks” has already outlined exactly how he believes the division should unfold.

Rather than demanding an immediate championship opportunity, the former champion suggested Strickland defend the belt once before the two settle their unfinished business.

"Sean Strickland knows I have all the respect in the world for him. In a different life I might even call us friends." The respect, however, didn't stop there; it gave his message a competitive edge.

"But there's one thing I would say. He said he'd be ready in December. Fight Imavov, get a title defense, he earned that and after that I'll come and take my belt back. Thank you."

In hindsight, it was a confident statement from a fighter who had already cracked Strickland’s game twice. Their first meeting saw du Plessis edge out a competitive decision to capture the middleweight title, while the rematch was considerably more one-sided, with the South African controlling the action over five rounds, leaving the American with a bloodied face. 

Final Decision Rests with UFC

Nevertheless, whether the UFC follows that blueprint remains to be seen. If White and the matchmakers decide to reward Imavov first, Strickland could finally make the title defense that du Plessis referenced before a trilogy takes center stage. 

Alternatively, the promotion could decide that a former champion coming off such a dominant win over Usman has already done enough to leapfrog the queue.

Whatever direction the UFC chooses, one thing is certain: du Plessis has firmly re-established himself as one of the middleweight division's central figures.