Dricus du Plessis brushes off laughing rivals as he tunes up for a high-stakes UFC 319 title defense against Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus du Plessis has kept his focus sharp despite dismissive laughter from two of his biggest rivals, Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, who couldn’t help but react to his unconventional fighting style during past bouts. With a blockbuster title defense against Khamzat Chimaev on the horizon, the South African champion is reflecting on the path that got him here.
Du Plessis clinched his first UFC Middleweight title shot by topping Whittaker in a title-eliminator at UFC 290, delivering a stoppage to secure a TKO victory over “The Reaper.” He followed up that breakthrough with a title win over Sean Strickland, setting the stage for his first championship defense against Adesanya. Ahead of that clash, a tense press conference built up the anticipation, with Adesanya’s questions about the challenger’s approach reportedly moving the atmosphere to a fever pitch and even drawing tears from the would-be title challenger.
In discussions surrounding their fights, both Adesanya and Whittaker have teased or teased out Du Plessis’s style. On the MMArcade podcast, Adesanya recalled his own memorable exchanges with Du Plessis, praising the South African as an elite opponent despite the chaos and calling him one of the most difficult fighters to read in the octagon. Whittaker, meanwhile, admitted that he initially underestimated Du Plessis’s speed and power, only to be punched into a loss in their meeting.
Du Plessis has not been swayed by the critics. Responding to the clips and comments on the main-event channel, he argued that the opinions of Whittaker and Adesanya are inconsequential at this stage. He stressed that they still haven’t learned how to counter him and that he’s already moved on to bigger challenges, like facing Chimaev in Chicago on August 16 for the title.
What makes this matchup intriguing is Du Plessis’s unorthodox style, which he believes could be a key advantage against Chimaev’s pressure-forward approach. The champion’s highlight-reel wins over Whittaker and Adesanya, combined with the mental edge he’s reportedly maintained in interactions with his rivals, add layers to what could become one of the year’s most compelling title showdowns.
Key takeaways
– Du Plessis earned the title shot by stopping Whittaker at UFC 290, then captured the belt with a victory over Strickland.
– His first defense against Adesanya featured a highly charged buildup, including a press conference that left the challenger visibly emotional.
– Both Adesanya and Whittaker have offered praise and playful critique of Du Plessis’s technique, underscoring how difficult he is to prepare for.
– Du Plessis dismisses the critics as irrelevant, signaling a laser focus on Chimaev and a belief that his unique style can shape the outcome.
What to watch for
– Will Du Plessis’ unorthodox approach disrupt Chimaev’s rhythm, or will the Chechen-born contender impose his own relentless pace and grappling game?
– The strategic chess match between striking, distance management, and takedown defense could determine whether this title bout lives up to the hype.
A hopeful note: fans can expect fireworks as two dynamic, game-changing fighters collide. If Du Plessis can leverage his momentum and keep his unique style effective on fight night, the result could redefine the middleweight landscape and deliver a title defense that resonates well beyond the Octagon.