Dricus Du Plessis: From Controversy to UFC Glory – The Unyielding Journey of a Champion
Dricus Du Plessis’ rise to becoming the UFC Middleweight Champion is a tale of resilience, intensity, and a fiery determination to overcome all obstacles. From a controversial past to his current reign as the champion, Du Plessis’ journey is nothing short of extraordinary. But to understand the fighter he has become today, we need to revisit the moments that shaped him, including one of the most talked-about incidents in his career.
The Infamous EFC 62 Showdown
Back in August 2017, Du Plessis faced off against Yannik Bahati in what would become one of the most controversial matches in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) history. This wasn’t just a fight for the middleweight championship; it was a deeply personal battle fueled by insults and animosity. Bahati had crossed a line by dragging Du Plessis’ girlfriend into their pre-fight banter, sparking a fire in the South African fighter that would soon burn Bahati in the ring.
During the EFC 62 face-off, Bahati even went so far as to slap Du Plessis, an act that only intensified the hatred between them. But it was in the cage where Du Plessis would have the last word. Leveraging his grappling skills, he locked Bahati in a guillotine choke, a submission that not only won him the fight but also sent a clear message—Du Plessis was not to be trifled with.
The Road to UFC Stardom
Fast forward to 2024, Du Plessis had long left his EFC days behind him, but the fire that fueled him in those early days continued to burn bright. After making his UFC debut in 2020, where he knocked out Marcus Perez in the first round, Du Plessis’ career trajectory skyrocketed. His journey was not without its hurdles, including a missed fight due to visa issues, but each setback only seemed to make him stronger.
In 2023, Du Plessis faced former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. The South African fighter earned himself the number one contender spot by delivering a second-round knockout, a victory that propelled him into the spotlight as one of the division’s most formidable competitors.
Becoming a UFC Champion
Du Plessis’ crowning moment came at UFC 297 when he faced Sean Strickland. The South African fighter not only defeated Strickland but did so in spectacular fashion, becoming the first South African to win a UFC championship. It was a moment of immense pride for both Du Plessis and his nation, but the fighter’s focus was already on defending his newly acquired title at UFC 305.
What makes Du Plessis’ achievements even more remarkable is the grueling training regimen he adheres to. Known for his unconventional and brutal training methods, Du Plessis has pushed his body to the limits in pursuit of greatness. His training team in South Africa employs a particularly harsh method involving a taser—a practice that Du Plessis believes has made him mentally and physically tougher.
The Brutal Training Behind the Champion
In a candid interview, Du Plessis revealed the shocking details of his training. “Coach will tell you ‘your hand isn’t high enough‘, or ‘your chin is in the air’. And he’ll warn you. Then he’ll warn you again. Then he’ll say ‘I’ve warned you twice about this, get on your stomach’. And you lie down and get tased on the foot. It’s a great reminder,” Du Plessis shared.
The 30-year-old fighter’s willingness to endure such extreme training speaks volumes about his dedication. The taser, a tool that has been part of his regimen for over two years, has even been upgraded to ensure it continues to push Du Plessis to his limits. “It didn’t have the same effect. So that’s why we have the big one now, it’s a proper one,” he said with a hint of pride.
This kind of preparation is what sets Du Plessis apart from his competitors. It’s not just his skill in the octagon that makes him a champion but also his unyielding determination to push beyond pain, discomfort, and fear. As he prepares to defend his title at UFC 305, fans can be sure that Du Plessis will bring the same intensity and fire that has defined his career from the start.
