Dricus Du Plessis claims that he’s not satisfied with being the 3rd greatest Middleweight and will defeat everyone to be No. 1
Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has never been one to settle for mediocrity. As the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, he has made it clear that he refuses to be remembered as merely the third greatest middleweight of all time, behind Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya. Instead, Du Plessis has boldly proclaimed:
“I’m not satisfied with being the third greatest middleweight in history. I am No. 1, and I will prove it!”
With this unwavering belief in his abilities, the South African fighter is on a mission to cement his legacy as the greatest middleweight in UFC history. Through relentless determination, a fearless fighting style, and an unmatched ability to overcome adversity, Du Plessis is shaping his own era in the UFC. But does he have what it takes to surpass legends like Silva and Adesanya? Let’s dive into his journey and explore what the future holds for “Stillknocks.”
The Rise of a Champion: Dricus Du Plessis’ Early Career
Born on January 14, 1994, in Welkom, South Africa, Du Plessis started his MMA career in 2013. Before entering the UFC, he built an impressive resume by competing in Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Africa and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW), where he won multiple championship titles. His ability to seamlessly blend striking and grappling made him one of the most promising prospects outside of the UFC.
Entering the UFC: Making an Immediate Impact
Du Plessis made his UFC debut in October 2020 with a knockout victory over Markus Perez, immediately turning heads in the middleweight division. He followed that up with wins over Trevin Giles, Brad Tavares, and Darren Till, proving he was not just another up-and-comer—he was a legitimate threat to the division’s elite.
However, it wasn’t until he defeated former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 that he truly earned recognition as a top contender. In a dominant performance, Du Plessis finished Whittaker via TKO, silencing critics who doubted his abilities against elite competition.
The Defining Moment: Beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
After securing his shot at the middleweight title, Du Plessis faced his toughest challenge yet: Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, a two-time middleweight champion and one of the best strikers in MMA history.
Early Rounds: Adesanya’s Striking Dominance
In the opening rounds, Adesanya’s game plan was clear—attack the body, maintain distance, and wear down Du Plessis. The former champion landed over 20 significant body shots, causing Du Plessis to visibly slow down. At one point, the South African dropped to a knee, gasping for air, prompting many to believe the fight was slipping away from him.
The Turning Point: Du Plessis’ Resilience
But if there’s one thing that defines Du Plessis, it’s his unbreakable willpower. Despite the damage, he kept pushing forward, absorbing Adesanya’s best shots without backing down. Then, in the fourth round, the fight took a dramatic turn.
Du Plessis landed three consecutive power shots that stunned Adesanya, forcing him to retreat. Smelling blood, Du Plessis executed a perfect bodylock takedown, took Adesanya’s back, and locked in a rear-naked choke. Within seconds, Adesanya tapped out, marking one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history.
With this victory, Du Plessis didn’t just win the UFC Middleweight Championship—he proved that he belonged at the top.
Defending the Throne: UFC 312 and Beyond
Winning the title was just the beginning. The true test of greatness lies in defending the belt, and Du Plessis faced that challenge head-on.
The Sean Strickland Showdown
At UFC 312, Du Plessis was set to defend his title against Sean Strickland, a tough, durable fighter known for his relentless pressure and high-volume striking. Many believed Strickland’s style would cause problems for Du Plessis, but the champion once again proved the doubters wrong.
Using a mix of calculated aggression and strategic grappling, Du Plessis dominated the later rounds, securing a unanimous decision victory. This successful title defense solidified his reign and brought him one step closer to middleweight immortality.
Can Du Plessis Become the Greatest Middleweight Ever?
With a UFC championship and multiple high-profile victories under his belt, the conversation has shifted: Is Du Plessis on his way to becoming the greatest middleweight of all time? To achieve that status, he must surpass the legacies of Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya.
How He Stacks Up Against Anderson Silva
Anderson “The Spider” Silva is widely regarded as the greatest middleweight in UFC history. Holding the longest title reign in UFC history (2,457 days) and defending his belt 10 times, Silva’s dominance remains unmatched.
For Du Plessis to surpass Silva, he would need to:
- Defend the middleweight title at least 10 times
- Maintain an undefeated streak as champion
- Win against multiple all-time greats
While he has a long road ahead, Du Plessis’ ability to endure adversity and finish fights makes him a legitimate contender for the top spot in history.
How He Compares to Israel Adesanya
Adesanya, a two-time middleweight champion, dominated the division for years, securing wins over top contenders like Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori.
To surpass Adesanya’s legacy, Du Plessis must:
- Defeat more former champions
- Defend the title against rising stars like Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira
- Prove his dominance over multiple title defenses
While Adesanya’s striking is more polished, Du Plessis’ ability to blend power, grappling, and relentless pressure makes him a different kind of threat.
What’s Next for Du Plessis?
As Du Plessis looks to extend his reign, several challengers are lining up for a shot at his belt.
Potential Challengers
- Khamzat Chimaev: An undefeated wrecking machine with elite wrestling and brutal finishing ability.
- Alex Pereira: If Pereira returns to middleweight, his devastating knockout power could pose a serious threat.
- Robert Whittaker (rematch): Whittaker remains one of the division’s best and could earn another title shot.
Regardless of who comes next, one thing is certain—Du Plessis is ready for any challenge.
Final Thoughts: The Unstoppable Rise of Stillknocks
Dricus Du Plessis’ journey to the top has been anything but conventional. From being underestimated to conquering the division, he has defied expectations at every turn. His grit, determination, and ability to fight through adversity make him one of the most exciting champions in UFC history.
While he still has a long way to go before surpassing Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya, Du Plessis has already proven that he belongs among the all-time greats.
With his warrior mentality and relentless pursuit of greatness, it may not be long before the world recognizes him as the greatest middleweight in UFC history.
The only question that remains is: Who can stop him?
