Dricus Du Plessis: the weirdest Middleweight Champion in UFC history

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has stunned the mixed martial arts world once again by defending his UFC middleweight championship in a fashion that left fans and analysts speechless. At UFC 305, he faced off against former champion Israel Adesanya in a battle that showcased resilience, grit, and an undeniable will to win. Despite enduring tremendous damage—including over 20 brutal body shots—Du Plessis somehow found a way to rally back and secure a dramatic submission victory. This fight wasn’t just another title defense. It was a defining moment in UFC history, cementing Du Plessis as one of the most unpredictable yet effective champions the sport has ever seen.

The Road to UFC 305: A Champion’s Rise

Before stepping into the Octagon at UFC 305, Du Plessis had already made a name for himself with an impressive winning streak. With victories over elite fighters like Derek Brunson and former title challenger Robert Whittaker, he proved he belonged among the division’s best. However, critics still doubted his overall skill set, particularly his grappling and wrestling ability. Adesanya, widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient strikers in UFC history, was expected to expose Du Plessis’ perceived weaknesses. Many believed that without an elite wrestling or grappling background, Du Plessis would struggle against the former champion’s pinpoint striking and evasive movement. However, as fight night approached, Du Plessis remained confident. He knew he possessed the power, durability, and relentless pressure needed to challenge Adesanya in ways few had before.

The UFC 305 Showdown: A Battle for the Ages

Early Rounds: A War of Attrition

As the first round began, Adesanya employed his signature strategy—keeping his distance, using crisp jabs, and attacking Du Plessis’ body. It was clear that the former champion had a well-planned game plan: wear down his opponent with strikes and break his endurance. By the end of the second round, Du Plessis had absorbed over 20 significant body shots. His breathing became labored, and at one point, he was even forced to kneel on the canvas, catching his breath as the referee oversaw the action. Despite the visible damage, Du Plessis refused to break. His toughness—often described as his greatest weapon—kept him in the fight. Every time Adesanya landed clean shots, Du Plessis absorbed them and moved forward, unfazed by the punishment.

Turning the Tide: Du Plessis’ Unbreakable Spirit

In the third round, Du Plessis began pressing forward with relentless aggression. He started landing heavy punches of his own, forcing Adesanya to move backward. The former champion, accustomed to dictating the pace, found himself in an uncomfortable position—unable to control the fight the way he usually did. Then, in the fourth round, the fight changed completely. Du Plessis, despite his exhaustion, landed three consecutive powerful strikes that visibly stunned Adesanya. Sensing an opportunity, he executed a perfectly timed bodylock takedown, quickly transitioning to back control. Within seconds, he locked in a rear-naked choke, and before Adesanya could react, the former champion was forced to tap. The arena erupted in shock. Against all odds, Du Plessis had done the unthinkable—defeating one of the most dominant middleweights in UFC history and proving that his skill set extended far beyond just brawling and toughness.

Post-Fight Reactions: A Champion’s Legacy Grows

Du Plessis’ Reaction

Speaking to Joe Rogan in the post-fight interview, Du Plessis emphasized his unwavering belief in himself. “People keep underestimating me, but I thrive on that,” he said, still catching his breath. “I took everything he had, and I was still standing. I don’t care what people think—I’m here to stay.” His victory solidified his status as the undisputed champion of the middleweight division, erasing any doubts about whether he belonged at the top.

Adesanya’s Response

Adesanya, despite his disappointment, showed respect for Du Plessis’ performance. “He’s tough, man. I thought I had him, but he just kept coming. That’s championship mentality right there,” Adesanya admitted. “I’ll be back, but tonight was his night.” With this loss, Adesanya now faces questions about his future in the division. Will he push for an immediate rematch, or will he take time to reevaluate before making another title run?

MMA Community Reacts

The MMA world exploded with reactions following the fight. Fighters, analysts, and fans praised Du Plessis’ resilience, calling him one of the toughest champions the sport has ever seen. UFC commentator and former fighter Daniel Cormier tweeted: “Unreal toughness. DDP proved all the doubters wrong tonight. Absolute warrior!” Meanwhile, former UFC champions like Michael Bisping and Georges St-Pierre weighed in on the fight, acknowledging Du Plessis’ ability to endure adversity and turn the tide in his favor.

What’s Next for Du Plessis?

Potential Challengers

With his title defense secured, the biggest question now is: who will challenge Du Plessis next? There are several intriguing options:

• Sean Strickland: The outspoken former champion has been on a dominant run and has already expressed interest in a title shot.
• Khamzat Chimaev: The undefeated powerhouse could pose a major threat to Du Plessis with his aggressive wrestling style.
• Alex Pereira: If Pereira, the current Light Heavyweight Champion, decides to drop back down to middleweight, a superfight could be in the making.

Regardless of who steps up next, one thing is clear—Du Plessis won’t back down from any challenge.

Breaking Anderson Silva’s record?

With this victory, Du Plessis has extended his winning streak to 10 fights in the UFC. He is now within striking distance of Anderson Silva’s legendary 13-fight win streak—the longest in middleweight division history. When asked about the potential of breaking Silva’s record, Du Plessis smiled and responded: “I have a long way to go, but why not? I’m here to make history.” If he continues his dominance, Du Plessis could very well cement himself as one of the greatest middleweights of all time.

Why Du Plessis’ Win Matters for UFC’s Future

Du Plessis’ victory isn’t just another championship defense—it represents a shift in the UFC’s middleweight landscape. His unconventional style, unbreakable will, and never-say-die attitude make him a fascinating champion. For years, the division was dominated by technical strikers like Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. But now, with Du Plessis at the top, the landscape has changed. He brings a different energy—one that prioritizes pressure, endurance, and a willingness to walk through fire to win.

A New Era in Middleweight MMA?

The middleweight division has always been one of the most exciting in the UFC. From Silva’s reign of dominance to Adesanya’s precision striking, each era has brought something unique. Now, with Du Plessis as champion, a new chapter is being written—one where toughness and heart may matter just as much as technique.

Final Thoughts: The UFC’s Most Unlikely Champion?

Dricus Du Plessis may not fit the mold of a traditional UFC champion. He doesn’t have the striking finesse of Adesanya, the wrestling dominance of Khabib, or the calculated game-planning of Georges St-Pierre. But what he does have is an indomitable spirit—a relentless drive that allows him to absorb punishment, push forward, and find ways to win when all odds are against him. For that reason alone, he may go down as one of the weirdest yet most unforgettable champions in UFC history. The MMA world may never fully understand how he keeps winning, but one thing is certain: Dricus Du Plessis is a force to be reckoned with, and his reign as middleweight champion is just beginning.