Dricus du Plessis in a victory that guaranteed him the belt in UFC 297. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@ufceurope
Dricus du Plessis puts the UFC middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) in check once again in a rematch against Sean Strickland this Saturday (8), at UFC 312. Considered one of the organization's highlights, the South African still generates distrust from the general public and even winning all eight fights he competed in the Ultimate, including defeating legends of the division, such as Robert whittaker e Israel adesanya, continues to be seen as the 'ugly duckling'.
But what could be the reason that even UFC fighters underestimate Du Plessis? Is it because of his clumsy way of fighting? Or because he seems technically inferior?
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Following the example of the Brazilian Caio Borralho, who during the interview for the SUPER FIGHTS No. first episode from the podcast 'Its Time!', gave his opinion on the rematch of UFC 312 and revealed that he never believes in the South African's victory in the octagon.
“Even though I’ve hit the wall every time I’ve bet against Dricus, he’s been beating everyone, this time I’m going against him again. I think Strickland has more game, he has more time to react, you have to be careful with some of Dricus’ hands that are very strong, I think he has a very heavy hand, so be careful so that a hand like that doesn’t compromise the rest of the fight, like the last time when it was a hand in the eye there,” said Borralho.
When Du Plessis won the belt in the first meeting against Strickland at UFC 297, after a split decision by the judges, many questioned the South African's victory. As in the light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) Jamahal hill and the former Ultimate fighter Ben askren. (see below)
I had it 3-2 Strickland
— Jamahal hill (@JamahalH) January 21, 2024
“I scored 3-2 Strickland.”
I really didn't expect Dricus to be able to fight that hard 25 minutes. Very impressed.
- Funky (@Benaskren) January 21, 2024
“I really didn’t expect Dricus to be able to fight so hard for 25 minutes. Impressed.”
Given such reports, could the undefeated UFC middleweight champion be suffering from the 'Duck Theory'?
The Duck Theory
Dricus Du Plessis (left) and Sean Strickland (dir.) fighting in UFC 297. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
You've probably heard the following phrase: 'The duck swims, the duck walks, the duck flies and the duck does nothing right'. It's a phrase that illustrates the idea that every situation has limitations and that, by not choosing a strategy, you are not the best at anything.
It is also a concept widely used by fans of Medieval RPGs (Role Playing Games) when referring to the paladin class. Theoretically, the warrior of light knows how to do everything in a battle environment: attack his enemies, while defending and healing allies. However, players often say that, because he has everything, the paladin has disadvantages compared to other classes with specific skills. He heals less than a priest, does not defend as effectively as a warrior and does not cause as much damage to enemies as a barbarian.
Remembering the duck again: what's the point of doing everything, but doing nothing masterfully? When observing Dricus du Plessis In action in the octagon, certain fighter movements cause strangeness to those who watch, especially to fellow professionals. He appears hasty, loses his balance when attacking, throws punches with his eyes closed, defends himself in a strange way and often insists on a grappling game without result.
But then, what technique would be behind Du Plessis's ever-increasing success?
Du Plessis, the unpredictable
Dricus du Plessis won Israel adesanya in the main fight of UFC 305. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC
At 31 years old, the current UFC middleweight champion has won 22 fights (20 by quick means) and lost only twice in his MMA career. In the Ultimate, the South African has an overwhelming streak of eight wins in eight fights, leaving with his arm raised over names like Darren till, Israel adesanya, Robert whittaker e Sean Strickland.
The basis of struggle of Dricus du Plessis It's a mix of kickboxing and wrestling. Agility and technique are not the South African's strong points, who most of the time appears slow and with a peculiar posture, to say the least, giving the impression that he is always 'afraid' of taking a blow. However, three points could be the key to the UFC middleweight champion's success.
The first point is Du Plessis' physical strength. Despite being a middleweight fighter, the South African has a strength that can even be compared to that of a heavyweight fighter. As I said Caio Borralho In his account at the beginning of this report, Dricus has very heavy hands. Of the 22 victories in his career, only two were not by quick means: nine knockouts and 11 submissions. A 'war tank' on two legs.
The second is his reach. Despite being 1,85m tall, Du Plessis's range of punches is 1,93m. In many of his knockouts, the fighter has acted like a 'turtle'. He closes up in defense, as if he were hiding inside a shell, and then surprises his opponent with a devastating long-range punch. A brutal recipe.
Dricus du Plessis celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@ufceurope
The third point is the fact that he is unpredictable. The middleweight champion uses unconventional stances and non-standard attacks that confuse his opponents. It is difficult to read Dricus' next move and this can cause the opponent to let his guard down and only realize his mistake too late, when the referee is already on top signaling the end of the fight.
Despite everything, the distrust of colleagues and fans about Du Plessis does not seem to be reflected in the bookmakers. According to 'Stake', the champion appears as favorite in the odds of UFC 312, paying 1,47 against 2,75 of Sean Strickland.
Now we just have to wait for this Saturday's fight to see if the UFC's 'Ugly Duckling' will successfully defend his belt once again and show the world that he doesn't need to be pretty, but rather efficient.
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