Strickland shuts down staph infection accusation ahead of UFC 312

Sean Strickland denies that he has a staph infection heading into UFC 312 in Sydney this Sunday.

The American takes on Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship in a rematch of their January 2024 meeting, which Strickland lost by split decision.

Ahead of the bout in Sydney, du Plessis accused the 33-year-old of contracting a staph infection in a post on social media.

“What? He grew taller and added staph infection to his arsenal… Oh shit!” du Plessis wrote on an Instagram story, resharing a promo post of their fight.

The post showed a mark on Strickland’s left arm consistent with those of a staph infection, which is commonly spread amongst combat fighters.

Read more: UFC 312 betting tips and predictions

In the UFC 312 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, Strickland was questioned about du Plessis’ comment.

“Listen you motherf***ers, I’m immune to staph,” he said.

“You see this f***ing mustache? I give staph, I don’t f***ing get staph.

“Calm the f*** down.

“I don’t get sick. I don’t get f***ing injured and I don’t get f***ing staph. So relax.”

Strickland heads into UFC 312 as a significant underdog against du Plessis, with Aussie bookmakers returning $2.70 for him to claim the middleweight belt.

Du Plessis, meanwhile, is paying $1.50 at bet365 to defend his title.

Despite UFC betting sites not favouring him, Strickland is heading into the bout with a positive mindset.

“I’m going to be out there on Sunday and I’m going to come out f***ing hard and strong,” he said.

“The hardest and strongest you’ve ever f***ing seen.

“To the f***ing death, Dutchman!”

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