Dricus du Plessis is the UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews
The middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) of the Ultimate, Dricus du Plessis, seems to not know the meaning of the word 'boring'. Just a few days before the rematch against Sean Strickland No. UFC 312, the South African fighter claims that the duel will be as exciting as the previous ones.
In 24 fights as a professional MMA fighter, Du Plessis has only been judged by judges twice: first against Brad Tavares, in 2022, and then in his title win over Strickland, in UFC 297. The middleweight champion revealed why he is so good at getting fans out of their seats when he is performing in the Octagon.
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“In my entire career, I’ve only been there twice and both were incredible fights. I don’t care about the distance if it’s an entertaining fight, I’ve never had a boring fight in my life. I don’t think I have the skill [to be in a boring fight] because you have to be able to go at a certain pace and I only know one pace… This time, you know, it’s going to teach me not to make a decision. Not that it’s for lack of trying, but this time I’m a little bit sharper. A year has passed since that fight and I think in terms of how I’ve grown as a fighter, the development, this sport moves so fast and [I keep] getting better, getting better day by day,” Du Plessis said in an interview with local radio station ‘Triple M’.
As champion, Dricus knows that victory, especially a viral knockout like he is predicting, could pay dividends for the next generation of fighters from his homeland.
“You have a much greater responsibility when you are the champion, because my whole gym [and] my whole team now sees me as the benchmark, as the world champion, and that’s what everyone aspires to be. You have to set the example of why I am the world champion and you are not, so if you are a young person training with me, I have to prove to them why I am the world champion and what it takes to be one… Not in an arrogant way, but in a motivating and inspiring way,” he explained.
Lofty goals in the UFC
Sean Strickland (left) and Dricus Du Plessis (dir.) they have revenge in UFC 312. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In interview with ESPN MMA, Dricus stated that there is much more to come in his time in the UFC and that he is still 'a long way from really dominating the division to the point where there is no competition left'. Plans even include a move up to light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) to face the champion Alex Poatán.
“I also want to go up and get another belt. And ultimately, I want to be seen as the greatest fighter that ever walked this Earth – that’s my ultimate goal and that’s what keeps me going no matter what you achieve. That’s a legacy that you build throughout your entire career, so that’s my motivation and that’s what I’m chasing. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store,” he teased.
These plans depend on whether he can raise his hand in UFC 312, which takes place next Saturday (8), in Sydney, Australia.
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