What Plastic Surgery Did Dricus du Plessis Get Before the Upcoming UFC 319 Fight?

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few names are rising as quickly and dominantly as Dricus du Plessis. Known for his relentless fighting style and exceptional cardio, du Plessis has recently climbed to the top ranks of the UFC Middleweight division. But what many fans and experts may not realize is that a single surgical procedure in 2023 played a massive role in this transformation. As UFC 319 approaches, understanding the behind-the-scenes enhancements that turned Dricus du Plessis from a promising contender into a feared “monster” is more relevant than ever.

In this write-optimized, in-depth article, we’ll explore the surgical intervention that reshaped du Plessis’ career, the physiological and psychological impact it had, the global recognition that followed, and how all of this positions him for his next bout at UFC 319.

Breathing Through a Straw — The Pre-Surgery Struggles

For years, Dricus du Plessis was unknowingly fighting with a massive handicap. According to his longtime coach, Morne Visser, the South African athlete could only receive about 8% of his oxygen intake through his nose due to a deviated septum — a condition where the nasal passage is blocked or misaligned.

“He was breathing through a straw for years,” said Visser. “But he never complained. He signed with the UFC and kept going.”

Despite this challenge, du Plessis continued to compete at the highest levels, showing flashes of brilliance but also moments of inexplicable fatigue. Many questioned his conditioning or training methods, but few knew the truth: he was fighting under constant oxygen deprivation.

The April 2023 Nasal Septum Surgery

In April 2023, Dricus du Plessis finally underwent septoplasty, a surgical procedure to correct the deviated septum. This wasn’t cosmetic — it was functional and necessary for optimal performance.

Post-operation, the results were nothing short of miraculous. In interviews, du Plessis mentioned how his sleep, recovery, training, and in-cage stamina improved exponentially. He could finally breathe freely — and fight to his full potential.

“I feel like a different person. I breathe better. I train harder. I recover faster,” du Plessis said in an Instagram interview.

A New Kind of Monster — Post-Surgery Dominance

Following his surgery, fans and analysts noticed an immediate transformation:

• Enhanced Cardio: Du Plessis could now maintain pressure across all five rounds.

• Improved Recovery: He no longer faded in late rounds.

• Power Retention: His strikes retained power deep into fights.

MMA analyst Brendan Schaub famously commented:

“Fair play… DDP is a monster.”

His nickname may not have changed, but his identity inside the cage certainly did.

The International Perspective

Medical Insight

Sports medicine professionals note that nasal obstruction can reduce oxygen intake by up to 85%, leading to rapid fatigue, lactic acid build-up, and longer recovery times. For a fighter, this is detrimental. The surgery restored du Plessis’ oxygen intake to normal levels.

Technical Evolution

In the post-surgery fights, du Plessis showcased an evolved fighting style:

• More output per round

• Increased head movement and footwork

• Greater volume of leg kicks and body shots

• Strategic feints and counters

Community Recognition

As du Plessis racked up wins post-surgery, he gained international praise:

• Named Middleweight Champion of South Africa

• Ranked #4 Pound-for-Pound by July 2025

• Described as a “PhD-level strategist” in MMA circles

Unique Fighting Style — A Break from Convention

Even before the surgery, du Plessis had an unorthodox style — wild overhands, offbeat footwork, and relentless pressure. But after the procedure, he was able to execute these techniques with greater precision and stamina.

Key Attributes:

• Volume striker with tactical variety

• Guillotine and rear-naked choke specialist

• Constantly shifting levels (head, body, legs)

This made him a nightmare for even the most seasoned UFC fighters.

The Psychological Edge

Fighters often talk about the “mental game,” and du Plessis gained a significant psychological boost post-surgery. With the knowledge that he was finally fighting at 100% capacity, his confidence soared. He no longer had to pace himself or worry about gassing out.

His calm demeanor during press conferences, focused intensity during weigh-ins, and controlled aggression in fights reflect this renewed mindset.

UFC 319 – What’s at Stake?

As UFC 319 looms, fans are eager to see how the “new” du Plessis will perform. Will the surgery continue to provide him with a competitive edge? Will he cement his legacy as one of the most dominant middleweights in modern MMA?

Opponent Analysis:

While the official opponent hasn’t been confirmed, rumors suggest a top-5 fighter — possibly a former champion. Du Plessis’ improved stamina, technical variety, and psychological calm make him a serious threat, regardless of who stands across the Octagon.

Summary Table

Conclusion: Not Just a Fighter, But a Transformation Story

Dricus du Plessis’ journey is not just about punches, takedowns, and titles — it’s a story of transformation. A story that proves how a simple yet vital surgical procedure can redefine an athlete’s career. As UFC 319 draws near, all eyes will be on du Plessis — not just to see if he wins, but to witness the full potential of a man who was finally given the breath of fresh air he deserved.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from his journey, it’s this: Sometimes, greatness is just one breath away.