UFC CEO Dana White gives major respect to Dricus du Plessis: 'Don't change anything'

UFC CEO Dana White was in a fiery mood at the post-fight presser for UFC 312, which saw Dricus du Plessis successfully defend his UFC middleweight championship against former champion Sean Strickland by unanimous decision.

Out of a multitude of things discussed, White, who has finished back-to-back trips between Saudi Arabia and Australia in recent weeks, liked what he saw from du Plessis.

Dana White Praises Dricus du Plessis' Performance

Dana White gives his immediate reaction to Dricus du Plessis's win over Sean Strickland at #UFC312:

"Whatever he's doing, it works. He's the world champion. … Don't change anything that he's doing on account of what I say." pic.twitter.com/DhHEydZraj
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 9, 2025

"Don't listen to the s*** that I say," White said after the event. "Whatever he's doing [du Plessis], it works. He's the world champion. How do you spar for a guy like that? Don't change anything that he's doing on account of what I say."

UFC 312 live results & highlights for Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2

Following the fight, du Plessis spoke to UFC.com and chronicled the key difference between the UFC 297 fight and his UFC 312 performance.

Dricus du Plessis dominated Sean Strickland in their rematch at UFC 312. | (Zuffa LLC)

"This was me proving I did beat him and just doing it in more spectacular fashion," du Plessis said.

Khamzat Chimaev Reacts To Du Plessis' Win

As for what's next, White said the choice is rather obvious – Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev is fresh off a submission win against former champion Robert Whittaker late last year to put himself in line for his long-awaited title shot.

Khamzat Chimaev fights Kevin Holland during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. — Khamzat Chimaev prepares to fight Kevin Holland during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Chimaev even had his own reaction to the fight, keeping it short and sweet.

Biggest bullshit is this fight 🥱🥱🥱
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) February 9, 2025

"Biggest bull**** is this fight," Chimaev tweeted.

Weili Zhang hands Tatiana Suarez first loss in dominant UFC 312 title defense

This tweet was likely in reference to Strickland earning a rematch after beating Paulo Costa, while Chimaev defeated a former champion when coming off his own layoff.

Khamzat Chimaev made short work of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. | (Craig Kidwell/MMA Junkie)

Nevertheless, it's clear the middleweight division has the clarity it has needed for quite a bit. Now, it's up to the UFC to move forward with it.

More UFC & MMA News

• UFC star Dustin Poirier sends threat to Conor McGregor, ‘Fight to the death’

• Former Bellator MMA prodigy enters free agency amid interest from UFC

• Ilia Topuria's brother Aleksandre impresses with debut victory at UFC 312

• Daniel Cormier revokes Jon Jones' status as UFC Goat due to ‘dirty s***'

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, and Boxing.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.