In an intriguing twist within the UFC middleweight scene, former rivals Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker have found common ground through shared experiences in the octagon. Recently, the two athletes trained together at Adesanya’s gym, City Kickboxing, located in New Zealand, igniting conversations about the reigning champion, Dricus Du Plessis. Both fighters have faced the South African in crucial matches, yielding unexpected results that now fuel their camaraderie. Du Plessis’s unique style has left a lasting impression on both competitors, serving as a testament to his maverick fighting ability.
With a professional record of 22 wins and only 2 losses, including an unblemished UFC record of 8-0, Dricus Du Plessis stands confidently at the top of the middleweight division. He is set to defend his title against Sean Strickland in a rematch at UFC 312 on February 8, a highly anticipated event to be held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. As Adesanya anticipates the showdown, he openly acknowledges Du Plessis’s peculiar fighting style. “If I’m going to give the edge to anyone, it would be Dricus in that fight,” Adesanya remarked on the “MMArcade Podcast.” This acknowledgment from a former champion speaks volumes about Du Plessis’s capabilities, highlighting that his unconventional approach poses legitimate challenges to more conventional fighters.
Adesanya’s description of Du Plessis as “the best sh*t fighter in the world,” albeit with a note of admiration, conveys the complexity that defines the champion’s technique. His unorthodox methods, while seemingly chaotic, have proven effective against elite opponents. For Adesanya, recalls of being baffled by Du Plessis’s unexpected maneuvers underscore the dexterity involved in their previous bout, where Du Plessis managed to disrupt Adesanya’s momentum at critical junctures. It is this blend of awkwardness and skill that has left many fighters struggling to adapt.
Whittaker mirrors Adesanya’s respect for Du Plessis, noting his initial perception of him being slow before being unexpectedly caught with a punch. His candid reflections illustrate the psychological aspect of Du Plessis’s approach; he may appear unassuming at first, but his effectiveness is undeniable. Having faced Du Plessis in a title eliminator, where he ultimately succumbed to a stoppage, Whittaker’s insights lend a depth of understanding about the champion’s capability to capitalize on opponents’ underestimation.
As both fighters prepare for the rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland, the question looms: can Strickland adapt his strategy to overcome the champion? Whittaker’s observations indicate skepticism surrounding Strickland’s fight style, suggesting that without evolving his approach, he may fall victim to Du Plessis once more. This impending encounter poses not just a challenge for Strickland but also underscores the unpredictability that accompanies Du Plessis, reaffirming his status as a dynamic titleholder in the UFC.
Dricus Du Plessis has emerged not just as a champion, but as a unique force within the UFC, captivating audiences and former champions alike with his unconventional tactics. The anticipation surrounding his next fight is a testament to the excitement he brings to the sport.