Dricus Du Plessis, the UFC Middleweight Champion, has made it clear that his strategy to preventing units him other than 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 in opposition to Sean Strickland.
Dricus Du Plessis
“I don’t mind getting punched in the face,” Du Plessis mentioned. “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.”
Have a look at Paulo Costa and Izzy. They had been working, they had been working, attempting to set one thing up. Strickland is simply too good. When you’re gonna try to do this, he’s too good. Now, in the event you give him that momentum, he’s gonna carry on coming and coming. He’s a bully fighter. He likes to bully folks, and in the event you don’t put him in his place shortly, now you might be gonna be bullied.”
Sean Strickland
Dricus Du Plessis made an enormous assertion by defeating Strickland by Break up Choice to seize the middleweight belt in January 2024. Since then, he efficiently defended his title in opposition to 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 in opposition to Strickland, who is thought for his stress and skill 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
Waiting for a possible rematch with Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis’ strategy is evident: he gained’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 menace: Khamzat Chimaev.
“I would have rather faced Khamzat,” Du Plessis mentioned, hinting that he feels Chimaev would supply the form 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.
