Dricus Du Plessis, the UFC Middleweight Champion, has made it clear that his strategy to combating units him aside from others within the division. In a latest interview, Du Plessis shared the distinctive mindset that has propelled him to the highest of the middleweight world, and it’s one thing that would give him the sting in his upcoming title rematch towards Sean Strickland.
Dricus Du Plessis
“I don’t thoughts getting punched within the face,” Du Plessis stated. “That was, that was the largest distinction, ? That was it. I’ll take one to provide one, as a result of I do know mine’s more durable. And I believe that was the largest distinction. As I went and I fought Strickland on his energy, I made him go backwards.”
Take a look at Paulo Costa and Izzy. They had been operating, they had been operating, attempting to set one thing up. Strickland is just too good. When you’re gonna try to do this, he’s too good. Now, when you give him that momentum, he’s gonna carry on coming and coming. He’s a bully fighter. He likes to bully folks, and when you don’t put him in his place rapidly, now you’re gonna be bullied.”
Sean Strickland
Dricus Du Plessis made an enormous assertion by defeating Strickland by Cut up Choice to seize the middleweight belt in January 2024. Since then, he efficiently defended his title towards the legendary Israel Adesanya in August 2024, submitting him within the fourth spherical.
Du Plessis’ profession has been characterised by his willingness to take dangers within the cage, his mindset can also be rooted in his perception that he can outlast his opponents. It’s this mentality that allowed him to face his floor towards Strickland, who is understood for his stress and skill to push opponents.
“I made him go backwards,” Dricus Du Plessis continued. “Strickland’s energy lies in his capability to press ahead and bully his opponents, however I took that away from him. You may’t let him get that momentum. When you give him an inch, he’ll take a mile.”
Khamzat Chimaev
Looking forward to a possible rematch with Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis’ strategy is evident: he received’t let the previous champion dictate the tempo of the combat. As an alternative, Du Plessis plans to as soon as once more impose his will and make Strickland combat on his again foot. Additionally, Du Plessis has voiced a eager curiosity in dealing with one other risk: Khamzat Chimaev.
“I’d have somewhat confronted Khamzat,” Du Plessis stated, hinting that he feels Chimaev would provide the type of problem he thrives on. Chimaev, who’s undefeated within the UFC and has proven his dominance in each the welterweight and middleweight divisions, is a fighter that many see as a future champion. Du Plessis, nevertheless, stays assured in his capability to deal with any problem.
