Watch the shocking moment Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis come to blows at UFC 296 as the middleweight champion ATTACKS his upcoming opponent in the crowd

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland landed multiple blows on challenger Dricus Du Plessis in a cage-side altercation at UFC 296 in Las Vegas.

A video posted on social media shows Strickland initially exchanging words with Du Plessis, who was sat two rows behind for Saturday's pay-per-view show at the T-Mobile Arena.

Strickland then signals the person to Du Plessis' right to move aside before jumping over seats to attack his rival. The American stood on a chair and landed multiple hammer fists to Du Plessis' head. Meanwhile, the upcoming middleweight-title challenger scrambled to break free before appearing to grab Strickland's lower legs.

The two fell to the ground and out of the shot as bystanders and security rushed to separate them. 

Du Plessis was seen trying to break free while both men were held back from each other before the clip ends. 

During the broadcast, Du Plessis was acknowledged for being present before the camera panned to Strickland. The middleweight king then proceeded to point a gun gesture towards his challenger.

Du Plessis and Strickland both spoke at the UFC's 2024 Season press conference on Friday to promote their title fight at UFC 297 in January.

Strickland will make his first title defense against Du Plessis after winning the belt in dominant fashion against Israel Adesanya in September.

On the other hand, Du Plessis scored a TKO win over another former champion in Robert Whittaker in July. The South African was meant to challenge Adesanya next, but the turnover was too soon and Strickland was happy to step in.

Du Plessis holds a 20-2 MMA record and has won his last eight fights. 

On the other hand, Strickland won his last three to improve to a 28-5 record.