Dricus du Plessis: UFC Middleweight Champion’s Journey and Views on Competition
Dricus du Plessis stepped into the Octagon nearly five years ago, already boasting championships across two weight classes from various regional promotions worldwide. Yet, the current UFC middleweight champion understands that success doesn’t come overnight.
“It took time, for sure,” Du Plessis mentioned during a video call on Thursday. “But climbing to the top, I felt I managed it pretty smoothly.”
Like many newcomers in the UFC, he isn’t underestimating the competitive landscape. There’s a lot of buzz around Khamzat Chimaev, who will challenge Du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago. However, Du Plessis believes it’s unrealistic to expect Chimaev to ascend so rapidly, especially considering his relatively short professional career so far.
“It’s, frankly, silly to think he could just jump in and claim the title,” he explained, referencing his own fight history to illustrate his point. “Kamaru Usman was a champion at welterweight when he faced Chimaev, and that fight was a close call in my eyes, one that could have gone either way.”
Du Plessis doesn’t shy away from discussing the real status of fighters in the UFC. As the first UFC champion from South Africa, he has been a major force in putting the country’s MMA scene on the map. Yet, he acknowledges Chimaev’s impressive undefeated record.
“He’s not just another fighter; his undefeated status at this level is truly remarkable,” Du Plessis said, noting the challenges that come with maintaining that level of performance. “It’s really tough to stay undefeated in this sport, and the hype around him is definitely something.”
Du Plessis made a name for himself with his victories over significant opponents like Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, the latter being a two-time champion he faced twice. While Adesanya is often seen as a star, a win over Chimaev could solidify Du Plessis’s status as one of the greats, especially given Chimaev’s formidable reputation.
Yet, victories don’t come easy. Du Plessis’s last four wins were against opponents who had substantial experience, including former champions. He believes that the competition is fierce and requires constant adaptation.
“Fighting isn’t about playing to someone else’s weaknesses,” he argued. “You never truly know what another fighter is going through or how they prepare. When the bell rings, it’s all-out effort from me.”
Looking ahead, Du Plessis is preparing for the challenge of taking down Chimaev. He appreciates Chimaev’s ability to dominate but knows he cannot rely solely on past strategies.
“My style is different. I’m not about waiting for a chance,” he stated emphatically. “In this fight, my goal will be to go for the finish rather than dance around.”
His determination speaks volumes about his competitive nature, especially as he continues to defend his title in this high-stakes environment.
