Eric Nicksick, the head coach of Xtreme Couture, expressed his concerns regarding Dricus Du Plessis’ striking style when matched against Alex Pereira. Nicksick believes that Du Plessis’ erratic behavior in throwing punches could pose a significant challenge for him when facing Pereira. He draws a comparison between Du Plessis and Jiri Prochazka in terms of their striking approach, highlighting the flaws in Du Plessis’ defense that Pereira could exploit. Nicksick emphasizes Pereira’s ability to identify openings in his opponent’s defense and capitalize on them with counter-strikes, pointing out that Du Plessis may struggle to maintain his offensive strategy against a skilled counter-striker like Pereira.
Implications for Du Plessis’ Future Fights
Looking ahead to Du Plessis’ potential matchups for his next title defense, Nicksick discusses the possibility of a rematch with Robert Whittaker or a fight against Sean Strickland. While Du Plessis prefers a rematch with Whittaker, Nicksick argues in favor of Strickland based on their recent performances. Nicksick notes that Du Plessis finished Whittaker in their previous encounter, whereas his fight against Strickland ended in a close split decision. He believes that Strickland has earned the opportunity for a rematch and predicts another intense battle if they were to face off again.
Assessing Du Plessis’ Fighting Spirit
Nicksick acknowledges Du Plessis’ resilience and fighting spirit, citing his ability to overcome adversity in the cage. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for a tough fight when entering the octagon against Du Plessis, given his unpredictability and capacity to turn the tide of a match. Nicksick emphasizes the need for strategic training and mental fortitude to cope with the challenges posed by Du Plessis, indicating that a deep level of commitment and determination is required to secure victory against him.
Eric Nicksick’s assessment of Dricus Du Plessis offers valuable insights into the potential strengths and weaknesses of the rising UFC star. Nicksick’s analysis sheds light on the technical aspects of Du Plessis’ fighting style, his upcoming challenges, and the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. Du Plessis will need to address the issues raised by Nicksick and continue to evolve as a fighter in order to establish himself as a dominant force in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.