Dricus Du Plessis, the UFC Middleweight Champion, has made it clear that his approach to fighting sets him apart from others in the division. In a recent interview, Du Plessis shared the unique mindset that has propelled him to the top of the middleweight world, and it’s something that could give him the edge in his upcoming title rematch against Sean Strickland.
Dricus Du Plessis
“I don’t mind getting punched in the face,” Du Plessis said. “That was, that was the biggest difference, you know? That was it. I’ll take one to give one, because I know mine’s harder. And I think that was the biggest difference. As I went and I fought Strickland on his strength, I made him go backwards.”
Look at Paulo Costa and Izzy. They were running, they were running, trying to set something up. Strickland is too good. If you’re gonna try and do that, he’s too good. Now, if you give him that momentum, he’s gonna keep on coming and coming. He’s a bully fighter. He likes to bully people, and if you don’t put him in his place quickly, now you are gonna be bullied.”
Sean Strickland
Dricus Du Plessis made a huge statement by defeating Strickland by Split Decision to capture the middleweight belt in January 2024. Since then, he successfully defended his title against the legendary Israel Adesanya in August 2024, submitting him in the fourth round.
Du Plessis’ career has been characterized by his willingness to take risks in the cage, his mindset is also rooted in his belief that he can outlast his opponents. It’s this mentality that allowed him to stand his ground against Strickland, who is known for his pressure and ability to push opponents.
“I made him go backwards,” Dricus Du Plessis continued. “Strickland’s strength lies in his ability to press forward and bully his opponents, but I took that away from him. You can’t let him get that momentum. If you give him an inch, he’ll take a mile.”
Khamzat Chimaev
Looking ahead to a potential rematch with Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis’ approach is clear: he won’t let the former champion dictate the pace of the fight. Instead, Du Plessis plans to once again impose his will and make Strickland fight on his back foot. Also, Du Plessis has voiced a keen interest in facing another threat: Khamzat Chimaev.
“I would have rather faced Khamzat,” Du Plessis said, hinting that he feels Chimaev would offer the kind of challenge he thrives on. Chimaev, who is undefeated in the UFC and has shown his dominance in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, is a fighter that many see as a future champion. Du Plessis, however, remains confident in his ability to handle any challenge.
