Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, has had quite the ascent through the world of mixed martial arts, making headlines not only for his prowess inside the octagon but also for the controversies surrounding him.
Ever since he secured the middleweight title with a split decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 last January, du Plessis has been the talk of the MMA community. Many are eagerly anticipating the much-anticipated rematch, set to take place at UFC 312 on Sunday, February 9, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Their first encounter sparked heated debates with Strickland coming out strong but eventually losing to du Plessis, who adapted with effective grappling, securing him the title even as Strickland's strikings were impressive.
Leading up to this title defense, Dricus du Plessis has remained unfazed by the taunts of Strickland, who has made inflammatory comments on social media, including slurs about du Plessis's home country of South Africa. "Strickland says a lot of things about a lot of things but he doesn't know anything," du Plessis told BBC Sport Africa. "It doesn't make a difference to me." This composed demeanor reflects his focus on his fighting skills rather than the psychological warfare often employed by opponents.
Since joining the UFC, du Plessis has maintained an impressive record, securing eight consecutive wins with six finishes. His last loss dates back to October 2018 when he was competing with KSW, where he captured the welterweight championship before falling to Roberto Soldic. That rivalry saw Soldic gain revenge, but du Plessis’s transition to the UFC proved fruitful. He has shown resilience and tenacity, defending his title against former champion Israel Adesanya, solidifying his position at the pinnacle of MMA.
Yet, his rise hasn’t been without controversy. Recently, he sparked outrage by wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Trump prefers champions" during pre-fight events, much to the dismay of many South Africans. Du Plessis expressed admiration for Trump, calling him "an amazing president" and stating, "With everything going on right now, change is coming, good changes." Such remarks drew significant backlash, especially considering the current political climate and challenges faced by South Africa.
Du Plessis's comments have divided audiences, drawing disapproval from fans who see his endorsement of Trump as tone-deaf. Media personality Solomzi "Sol" Phenduka expressed disappointment, highlighting du Plessis's perceived alignment with foreign leaders over local issues. Many fans have shared mixed feelings, with some praising his willingness to speak out against his country's governance, yet others fearing the political rift his comments may widen.
Beyond politics, du Plessis's celebrity status has led him to become one of South Africa's most recognizable sports figures. His determination to remain based in his homeland, rather than pursuing opportunities abroad, has made many view him as a symbol of national pride. Yet, this decision adds pressure to represent South African MMA on the global stage. "Ever since becoming world champion, I've had to prove I'm the world champion to everybody who trains around me and work harder than every single person because I have to be the example of what it takes to be the best," du Plessis said.
Du Plessis heads to the octagon, well aware of the challenges he faces come UFC 312. The pressure is on him not only to defend his title but also to dispel any notions of his previous win being due to luck or oversight. Strickland has vowed to make adjustments and come back stronger. "I did the right things to win," du Plessis remarked, emphasizing the need to be cleaner, fitter, and stronger. He’s preparing to maintain his momentum, not only to uphold his champion status but to establish lasting legitimacy.
Using this upcoming fight as another opportunity to display his skills, du Plessis is set on fortifying his legacy. While public opinions may vary on his political stances, his fighting abilities are undisputed. MMA fans are poised for what promises to be another electrifying clash between these fierce competitors. With stakes at their highest, UFC 312 could either reaffirm Dricus du Plessis as the reigning champion only taking his legacy to greater heights or allow Sean Strickland to reclaim his title with vengeance, putting both fighters under the spotlight for fans worldwide.
Regardless of the outcome, the anticipation leading up to this event captures the essence of the sport—much like du Plessis's own career, which intertwines headlines, controversy, and undeniable talent as he looks to defend his title yet again.