Du Plessis has been criticised for his arrogance – now fans have to stay silent about his knockout record

In the unforgiving octagon of the UFC middleweight division, Dricus Du Plessis has become the definition of controlled devastation. With every emphatic knockout and strategic victory, he’s not just winning—he’s answering doubters and carving out legacy in real time. This deep dive explores how Du Plessis silences critics, one knockout at a time.

The South African Sensation Ascends

Hailing from Roodepoort, South Africa, Dricus Du Plessis burst onto the MMA scene under the moniker “Stillknocks.” After capturing attention in KSW—where he suffered a shocking KO loss to Roberto Soldic in 2018—he rebounded with grit and claimed both welterweight and middleweight gold in Europe. His move to the UFC in 2020 was met with skepticism, but Du Plessis has methodically crushed every question mark.

UFC Debut and Swift Statement

Du Plessis’ UFC debut came in March 2021, tied to a highlight-reel knockout mere 17 seconds in. It was the kind of entrance fighters dream of—but for “Stillknocks,” it was the start of a doctrine: worry his power at your own risk. Critics wondered if it was a fluke; he answered with consistency.

Claiming the Crown: UFC 297 vs. Strickland

At UFC 297 in January 2024, Dricus Du Plessis squared off with Sean Strickland in a fierce grudge match. Despite the former champion’s trash talk, Du Plessis held his ground and emerged victorious via split decision—becoming the first South African UFC champion. While technical, it announced a champion with heart and steel intent.

“Silencing Critics” in Big Defensive Wins

UFC 305 vs. Adesanya

In August 2024, Du Plessis met Israel Adesanya in Perth—an ex-champion beloved worldwide. He shattered his reputation with a brutal rear-naked choke in round four, marking Adesanya’s first submission loss. As he hoisted the belt, he was quiet but crystal clear: his skills would do the talking.

UFC 312 vs. Strickland II

In February 2025, under Sydney lights, Du Plessis rematched Strickland. This time, it was domination: four clean rounds, a busted-up nose on Strickland, and judges scoring it 50-45 and 49-46. He left no room for doubt—only awe.

During the main-event press conference, he boldly asked a question that punched through the noise:
| Dricus Du Plessis: Is there no one else? | 

That simple challenge echoed beyond the Octagon—an open invitation for the next storm.

“One Knockout at a Time” – Methodical and Ruthless

Du Plessis doesn’t chase highlight-reel flash; he crafts decisive victories. He samples head kick range, resets distance, and switches tactics to overwhelm opponents. Then—when they miscalculate—a hard strike lands and it’s over. Over time, his approach is refining into an art form: measured power, aggressive setup, follow-through knockout.

Each fight cements his message: doubts get silenced, headliners tremble, and legacies build.

The Battle of Toronto and Sydney: Shaping the Narrative

• Toronto, UFC 297: He took punch after punch, remained composed, and stole victory on splits. Critics still questioned the depth of his reign.

• Sydney, UFC 312: He answered them all—unanimous control, broken opponent, no ambiguity.

From Canada to Australia, Du Plessis repeatedly flips the script—from underdog to undisputed middleweight.

The Next Act: UFC 319 and the Chimaev Challenge

Looking ahead to UFC 319 (August 16, 2025, at Chicago’s United Center), Du Plessis will square off with undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev’s wrestler-grappler profile promises fireworks, but Du Plessis has already thrown shade back in April:

| Dricus Du Plessis: Let’s take a look at the last ±2.5 years and tell me who’s bulls*** |

That public retort shows he isn’t backing down—he’s holding the spotlight and swinging heavy.

Experts are already weighing in: former champion Luke Rockhold praised Chimaev’s pressure but doubted his five-round gas tank, hinting Du Plessis might outlast the fire. As the hype train builds, opponents across the division are holding their breath—because “Stillknocks” is bringing knockout certainty to Chicago.

More Than Knockouts: Mind Games & Mental Edge

Du Plessis is no one-dimensional finisher. He’s media-savvy, psychologically pointed, and aware of narrative. He engages critics, trolls rivals, and controls the storyline just as efficiently as he does the cage. That’s knockout mentality extending beyond physical blows—it’s emotional warfare.

The result? Opponents enter fight camp with caution. Fans tune in expecting fireworks. UFC benefits financially. And Du Plessis builds unstoppable momentum.

Legacy in the Making

At 31 years old with a 23–2 record and two successful UFC title defenses, Dricus Du Plessis is on a fast track to greatness. He’s turned critics into measurers of his milestones—each opponent a stepping stone.

As he prepares for the Chimaev showdown:

• He refines head kicks,

• Rinses strings of takedowns,

• Builds cardio for all five rounds.

Each training session echoes with the same goal: silence them, one knockout at a time.

He’s not just defending a division—he’s defining it. And in a world of fleeting fame, Dricus Du Plessis is building a legacy with every knockout.

Here’s the continuation to reach around 2,000 words:

Mind Games Heating Up Pre-UFC 319

As UFC 319 approaches, the psychological warfare between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev intensifies. Chimaev even taunted Du Plessis’s coaching team on social media, prompting fan speculation of a brewing mental battle. The back-and-forth exchanges serve as a prelude to what might be the most talked-about middleweight clash of the year.

Late-stage comments from Du Plessis show he’s unconcerned:

| Dricus Du Plessis: The way he goes hard early—great. But I’m still gonna be there, ready to kill in round five |

That statement signals clear confidence in his conditioning edge—a strategic advantage he’s been building since his UFC debut.

UFC 319: A Stylistic Chess Match

Data suggests this isn’t a one-sided fight. Du Plessis is a wrestler-striker hybrid with heavy pressure and submission skill; Chimaev is a high-pressure savvy grappler aiming to grind opponents early.

• Du Plessis averages ~13:45 minutes per fight—he goes deep.

• Chimaev typically ends fights early (~6 minutes).

If the fight goes late, Du Plessis projects to gain the upper hand on stamina and technique.

Praise from UFC Veterans

Former UFC champion Luke Rockhold, who has trained with both men, believes Du Plessis has superior endurance and unorthodox timing that will frustrate Chimaev:

“He’s tough as f—— hell… [Chimaev]’s not five-round material”

This endorsement boosts Du Plessis’s psychological narrative and may shake Chimaev’s stoicism come fight night.

The Stakes for Legacy

With a 23–2 pro record and two successful title defenses, Dricus Du Plessis is carving his legacy atop the middleweight mountain. A win in Chicago would solidify his standing among all-time greats and spark whispers of moving up to light heavyweight.

Meanwhile, Chimaev eyes an unbeaten middleweight reign—a pressure cooker where a single mistake could cost him his flawless record.

Beyond the Octagon: Cultural Impact

As the first UFC champion from South Africa, Du Plessis carries more than a belt—he carries the aspirations of a continent. His approach to grind culture and social media savviness mirror MMA’s evolving global identities.

He admires fighters who changed the game mentally, like Conor McGregor, calling out their mentality as vital to pioneering influence.

Final Thoughts Before UFC 319

Dricus Du Plessis isn’t here to coast—he’s here to conquer. With momentum from victories over elite opponents like Adesanya and Strickland, fans expect another clinic against Khamzat Chimaev.

If he executes his plan—weather the storm early, push pace late, turn the tide in rounds four and five—then yes, he will silence critics… one knockout at a time.