Dricus Du Plessis has quickly risen through the ranks of the UFC’s middleweight division, leaving a trail of impressive victories and dominant performances in his wake. But just how good is Du Plessis, really? With his aggressive fighting style, powerful striking, and relentless conditioning, he’s shown himself to be one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the division. Let’s take a deeper look at his rise and assess what makes him so dangerous in the octagon.
Dricus Du Plessis’ journey to the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. A native of South Africa, Du Plessis began his career on the regional circuit, where he quickly built a reputation for his explosive striking and fearsome knockout power. His run in various MMA promotions demonstrated his all-around skill set, and he dominated nearly all his opponents on his way to the UFC.
Upon entering the promotion in 2020, Du Plessis wasted no time making an impact, earning a knockout win over Robert Whittaker’s training partner, Zac Pauga. Since then, he’s maintained an undefeated record in the UFC, defeating some of the toughest fighters in the middleweight division. His rapid rise and undefeated streak have sparked serious interest in his potential as a future title contender.
What Makes Du Plessis So Dangerous?
Incredible Knockout Power: Du Plessis’ greatest weapon is undoubtedly his striking. His knockout power is terrifying, and he has the ability to end a fight in a single exchange. Whether it’s a powerful right hand, a devastating hook, or a brutal head kick, Du Plessis has shown that he can put opponents away with ease. His heavy hands and well-timed strikes make him a constant threat throughout the fight.
Aggressive and Relentless Style: Du Plessis doesn’t take a step back in the octagon. He’s known for his high-pressure style, constantly pushing forward and overwhelming his opponents with his aggression. This relentless style is part of what makes him so difficult to deal with—his opponents rarely get a moment to breathe. Du Plessis capitalizes on his opponent’s mistakes and punishes them with quick combinations and powerful counters.
Exceptional Conditioning: One of the most impressive aspects of Du Plessis’ game is his conditioning. Despite his aggressive fighting style, he doesn’t fade in the later rounds. He can maintain a high pace for all three rounds and beyond, pushing the action and making sure his opponents can’t keep up. His cardio is a significant advantage, especially against fighters who may struggle to maintain their pace under pressure.
Well-Rounded Game: While Du Plessis is best known for his striking, he’s a well-rounded fighter who can hold his own in all areas of the game. His background in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ensures that he’s not a one-dimensional fighter. If the fight goes to the ground, Du Plessis can take advantage of his grappling, controlling positions and looking for submissions. His ability to mix in takedowns with his powerful striking makes him unpredictable and dangerous.
Impressive UFC Victories
Du Plessis has already defeated a number of high-level opponents during his UFC run, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. One of his standout wins came against Robert Whittaker’s former opponent, Jared Cannonier, where Du Plessis displayed his resilience and knockout power to earn a dominant victory. Another big win came against the seasoned veteran Chris Weidman, a fighter with a wealth of experience, which further solidified Du Plessis’ status as a top contender.
But it’s not just his wins that have impressed people; it’s the manner in which he’s achieved them. Du Plessis doesn’t just eke out victories—he makes a statement. His finishes are dominant, often ending fights in the first or second round, showing that he has the tools to be both a highlight-reel finisher and a strategic fighter.
The Big Question: Can He Become Champion?
Given Du Plessis’ impressive resume and his combination of power, aggression, and conditioning, the big question now is whether he has what it takes to dethrone the reigning UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya. While Adesanya is known for his precise striking, technical defense, and intelligent fight IQ, Du Plessis brings a different kind of threat to the table. His aggressive, all-in style could pose a challenge for Adesanya, who typically excels when controlling distance and controlling the pace of the fight.
Du Plessis’ knockout power is a major advantage, as he could disrupt Adesanya’s rhythm with a well-placed strike or powerful barrage. However, Adesanya’s experience and composure make him a tough test for anyone, including Du Plessis. The two would likely have an exciting and unpredictable clash, and it would be a battle of contrasting styles.
Du Plessis’ rise to the top of the middleweight division has positioned him as one of the most exciting fighters to watch, and his upcoming bouts will likely determine whether he’s ready for a shot at the title.
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
Dricus Du Plessis is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in the UFC’s middleweight division. His powerful striking, aggressive fighting style, and well-rounded game have made him a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to rack up wins and showcase his skills, it’s clear that Du Plessis has the potential to be a future UFC champion. The only question that remains is how quickly he’ll rise to the top and whether he can overcome the elite fighters standing in his way.
One thing is for sure: Du Plessis’ future in the UFC is incredibly bright, and it won’t be long before he’s in the mix for a title shot. For now, the sky’s the limit for this rising middleweight contender.
