Dricus Du Plessis: The Unstoppable Force Taking Over the UFC

When Dricus Du Plessis first stepped into the UFC Octagon in 2020, few could have predicted the meteoric rise of the South African powerhouse. Unlike many fighters who take a more conventional path, Du Plessis carved his way to the top through smaller promotions across Africa and Europe, building an impressive resume before setting foot in the UFC.

From the very start, he showcased an unorthodox fighting style—a mix of relentless pressure, raw power, and surprising adaptability. Unlike many champions who carefully select fights to build their legacy, Du Plessis has never shied away from challenges. He has taken on the toughest names in the middleweight division, proving his championship caliber time and time again.

His road to UFC gold saw him dismantle former champions and elite contenders alike. He showcased his versatility and resilience by outlasting Robert Whittaker, overpowering the precision striking of Israel Adesanya, and now twice proving his superiority over Sean Strickland. Every fight has been a statement—one that veteran MMA analyst Din Thomas could no longer ignore.

Din Thomas: “Dricus Du Plessis Is The Complete Champion”

One of the most respected voices in MMA analysis, Din Thomas, recently heaped praise on Du Plessis, highlighting his rare blend of mental fortitude, skill, and championship aura.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Thomas said:

“There’s no champion in the UFC that’s got the total package like Dricus Du Plessis. I mean, this guy just oozes championship. He walks out, chest up, says all the right things, and when he fights, he delivers.”

Unlike some fighters who let their words do the heavy lifting, Du Plessis backs up his confidence inside the Octagon. His physical presence, combined with a calculated and fearless fighting approach, makes him one of the most dangerous competitors in the sport today.

Thomas’ assessment comes at a time when the middleweight division is buzzing with speculation. With Du Plessis reigning as champion, all eyes are now on a potential showdown with the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: The Ultimate Test?

If there’s one fight that has the MMA world talking, it’s the potential clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. The undefeated Chimaev has been a wrecking ball, steamrolling opponents with his relentless grappling and aggressive striking. However, Din Thomas sees a major flaw in Chimaev’s style—one that Du Plessis can exploit.

Thomas explained his perspective:

“I think Khamzat [Chimaev] is a sprinter… if you were to make fights one five-minute round, Khamzat beats anybody in the world, any weight class. But you can’t fight championship-level fights for five rounds at the pace where he’s at his best.”

In other words, Chimaev might dominate early, but can he sustain it? This is where Du Plessis’ durability, fight IQ, and relentless pace come into play. The South African champion has already proven his ability to push the pace into deep waters, something Chimaev has yet to be truly tested on.

Cardio and Fight IQ: The Real Deciding Factor

One of the biggest questions heading into a potential Du Plessis vs. Chimaev showdown is whether Chimaev’s gas tank can keep up with the demands of a five-round war.

So far, Chimaev has dominated in short bursts, overwhelming opponents before they have a chance to implement their own game plan. But Du Plessis thrives in fights that go long. He has a track record of wearing opponents down, absorbing damage, and coming back stronger as the fight progresses.

Cardio isn’t just about endurance—it’s about intelligence. A fighter needs to know when to explode, when to conserve energy, and how to break their opponent mentally. Du Plessis has mastered this balance.

If Chimaev can’t secure an early finish, he might find himself in a nightmare scenario where he is outlasted, outworked, and ultimately outclassed by a fighter who refuses to quit.

What’s Next for Du Plessis? A Legacy in the Making

Fresh off his title-winning performance, Dricus Du Plessis is already being linked to potential super fights. One name that has surfaced as a dream matchup is light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. With Pereira’s devastating striking and Du Plessis’ relentless pace, this could be one of the most thrilling champion-vs.-champion matchups in recent history.

However, before that, all signs point to a grudge match with Chimaev. If the UFC books this fight, it could be one of the biggest middleweight title bouts in years.

Regardless of who stands across from him in the Octagon next, one thing is certain—Dricus Du Plessis is here to stay. He isn’t just a paper champion; he is a warrior who embraces every challenge head-on.

Final Thoughts: Is Dricus Du Plessis the Most Underrated Champion?

While some fans still underrate Du Plessis, the respect from analysts and fellow fighters continues to grow. Din Thomas’ assessment paints a clear picture of a champion who isn’t just about the belt—but about the mentality, work ethic, and relentless hunger that define greatness.

With potential showdowns against Khamzat Chimaev, Alex Pereira, or even Israel Adesanya in a rematch, the Du Plessis era is only just beginning.