Dricus Du Plessis: A UFC Megastar

Dricus Du Plessis has rapidly emerged as a formidable force in the UFC middleweight division, making history as the first South African to hold the UFC middleweight championship. His journey to the top has been marked by notable victories and a fighting style that has captivated fans worldwide.

Du Plessis’s ascent in the UFC began with a string of impressive victories. In March 2023, at UFC 285, he secured a technical knockout win over Derek Brunson. This win was followed by another significant triumph against former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023. His victory over Whittaker, achieved via technical knockout in the second round, not only earned him the Performance of the Night award but also established him as the number one contender in the middleweight division.

However, a planned fight against Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 293 was postponed due to a leg injury sustained by Du Plessis. Instead, Du Plessis faced Sean Strickland for the title at UFC 297 on January 20, 2024. This bout, which was marked by a brawl between the two fighters at a previous UFC event, ended with Du Plessis winning by split decision, securing the middleweight championship. This victory was not only a personal achievement for Du Plessis but also a historic moment for South African MMA.