If Dricus du Plessis doesn’t even know what he will do next, how can his opponents guess?

Dricus du Plessis, the UFC middleweight champion, has become a figure of intrigue and admiration in the world of mixed martial arts. Despite his unconventional fighting style and unpredictable moves inside the octagon, du Plessis has managed to defeat every opponent put before him, rising to the top of the middleweight division. His journey to success is one that defies conventional logic, leaving many fans and analysts in awe of his achievements. While some fighters follow a structured approach to the sport, du Plessis has carved out his own path, relying on an unorthodox blend of unpredictability and relentless physical conditioning to outlast his opponents. But how has this unusual approach led him to become a champion, and what makes his style so effective in a sport where precision and discipline are often paramount?

The Unconventional Fighting Style of Dricus du Plessis

Dricus du Plessis’s fighting style is nothing short of unique. His unrefined movements and apparent lack of technical precision have led many to question how he has been so successful. Michael “Venom” Page, a fellow fighter in the UFC, famously commented, “I don’t understand how he became a champion.” Du Plessis has often been compared to the unpredictable, dynamic, and at times chaotic nature of Tuý Quyền—martial arts that rely on speed, power, and unorthodox techniques rather than textbook execution. He has earned a reputation for being awkward in the cage, frequently losing his balance and delivering punches that seem uncoordinated at first glance. Yet, against all expectations, he continues to win, leaving fans and analysts puzzled by his success.

Du Plessis’s style is not defined by a reliance on traditional skills; instead, he crafts his own set of movements that work to his advantage. His approach to combat is dynamic and fluid, often creating confusion for his opponents. Rather than sticking to the conventional techniques learned in traditional martial arts schools, du Plessis has developed an unpredictable pattern that challenges his adversaries’ expectations. His style disrupts the rhythm of his opponents and forces them to think on their feet, which often leads to mistakes or opportunities for him to capitalize on.

The Power of Endless Cardio: A Unique Strength

One of the key elements to Du Plessis’s success inside the octagon is his unmatched stamina and cardio. Known for his relentless approach to each fight, du Plessis has the ability to keep pushing forward, never seeming to tire, even through grueling five-round bouts. His conditioning allows him to maintain a high pace throughout the fight, putting his opponents under constant pressure. This attribute is especially valuable in a sport like MMA, where physical endurance can often make the difference between victory and defeat.

In a sport where many fighters struggle to keep their energy levels up as the rounds progress, du Plessis thrives on continuous movement and offensive pressure. His cardio serves as a foundation for his fighting style, enabling him to outlast opponents who may have the technical skills but not the stamina to compete at his pace. This relentless pressure can break down opponents mentally and physically, forcing them to crumble under the intensity of his assault.

But Du Plessis doesn’t simply rely on cardio to wear down his opponents. His style is designed to overwhelm and exhaust, creating an environment where his opponents are always playing catch-up. When facing a fighter like du Plessis, it becomes less about strategy and more about survival—enduring the pressure until the final bell rings.

A Champion with a Strong Foundation

While Dricus du Plessis’s style may seem unconventional, it is grounded in years of experience and training in multiple combat sports. Before becoming an MMA champion, du Plessis was already an accomplished athlete, earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Gracie Barra after defeating five black belts in under half an hour. He also had an undefeated kickboxing career with 33 wins. His background in various combat sports gives him a deep understanding of how to adapt and evolve his fighting style to suit different opponents.

Despite his somewhat unorthodox approach, du Plessis is no stranger to the fundamentals. His technical prowess and mastery of different fighting styles have allowed him to adapt his game plan on the fly. When necessary, he can adjust his techniques to be more precise, and his ability to switch between aggressive, chaotic movements and calculated attacks gives him the upper hand. This versatility allows du Plessis to overcome a wide variety of opponents, whether they are more traditional fighters or those with an unconventional approach of their own.

Du Plessis’s ability to mix and match techniques from different disciplines makes him a dangerous fighter, one that doesn’t conform to the expectations of others. His adaptability and well-roundedness are key factors that contribute to his success inside the cage.

The Mentality of a Champion: Embracing the Unpredictable

What sets Dricus du Plessis apart from many of his competitors is his ability to embrace unpredictability, not only in his movements but also in his mindset. In a sport like MMA, where strategy, focus, and mental preparation are crucial, du Plessis has learned to stay in the moment and react to whatever comes his way. His ability to stay calm and unfazed during the chaos of a fight is one of his greatest assets.

While many fighters meticulously plan their movements and strategies, Du Plessis’s mindset is more about flow and improvisation. He doesn’t overthink the situation or worry about following a specific formula. This ability to remain free-flowing and adaptable gives him a distinct advantage over opponents who are more rigid in their approach.

The unpredictability of du Plessis’s style also plays a mental game with his opponents. Just when they think they have figured him out, he switches things up and catches them off guard. This constant reinvention and ability to think outside the box keep his adversaries on edge throughout the fight, making it difficult for them to predict his next move.

Conclusion

Dricus du Plessis’s rise to the top of the UFC middleweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. His unpredictable fighting style, combined with his relentless cardio and solid foundation in combat sports, has made him a force to be reckoned with. While his approach may defy traditional expectations, it’s clear that du Plessis has found a winning formula that works for him. Whether he’s catching opponents off guard with chaotic movements or outlasting them with endless stamina, du Plessis’s journey serves as a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected in the world of MMA.

As he continues to dominate the middleweight division, it’s likely that more fighters will attempt to study and understand his unique style. However, one thing is certain: du Plessis’s ability to keep opponents guessing will remain one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to maintain his place among the sport’s elite fighters for years to come.