Dricus Du Plessis is a fighter who’s been climbing the ranks. He’s now one step away from the top spot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s 185-pound category.
The South African is set to challenge Sean Strickland for the middleweight title. Their five-round bout will headline UFC 297 on Jan. 20 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Du Plessis has been on a winning streak, securing 19 of his 20 professional victories by knockout, technical knockout, or submission. This gives him a staggering 95% finish rate.
One of Du Plessis’ notable rivals is Garreth McLellan. McLellan retained the Extreme Fighting Championship middleweight title after a thrilling back-and-forth battle with Du Plessis. Despite his loss, Du Plessis showed flashes of brilliance that would later make him a top middleweight contender.
Another key rivalry for Du Plessis was with Martin van Staden. Du Plessis won the vacant Extreme Fighting Championship welterweight crown in a decisive match against van Staden. This victory was part of an eight-fight winning streak that put Du Plessis on the map in South Africa.
Roberto Soldic is another fighter who’s crossed paths with Du Plessis. Soldic defeated Du Plessis and reclaimed the Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki welterweight championship. Despite his loss, Du Plessis proved to be a formidable opponent for Soldic.
Finally, Du Plessis’ bout with Robert Whittaker was a turning point in his career. Du Plessis defeated the former champion, marking his final step toward title contention in the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight division. This victory was a testament to Du Plessis’ strength and determination as a fighter.