Dricus Du Plessis | A New Period at Middleweight?

The combat was razor-close on the scorecards, however Du Plessis finally acquired the job performed, incomes a break up determination victory to turn out to be the primary South African champion in UFC historical past. The win additionally silenced critics of his cardio, as he went the complete 25 minutes with Strickland, a relentless stress fighter recognized for pushing the tempo.

Regardless of capturing a UFC title, he was nonetheless extremely doubted in his first title protection in opposition to Adesanya in Perth at UFC 305. Not solely did he defeat “The Final Stylebender,” however Du Plessis turned the primary fighter ever to submit Adesanya.

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Du Plessis returned to Australia in February of this 12 months to rematch Strickland. Since there have been many who weren’t satisfied of Du Plessis’ first win over him, “Stillknocks” made positive to do it extra impressively the second time round, dominating Strickland and incomes 50-45 scores from two of the three judges.

With two title defenses, du Plessis finds himself one win away from turning into the fourth fighter in UFC middleweight historical past to defend the title at the very least 3 times, becoming a member of Chris Weidman (3), Israel Adesanya (5) and Anderson Silva (10).