Uncover Dricus du Plessis’ Unorthodox Approach to Footwork

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), footwork has long been regarded as one of the most fundamental aspects of a fighter’s skill set. Fighters spend years perfecting their movement, positioning, and angles to maximize both offense and defense. However, Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, has a vastly different perspective.

His philosophy? “Everything you’ve ever learned about footwork, forget it. Footwork is not important.”

This statement, combined with his aggressive pressure-fighting style, has sparked significant debate in the MMA community. Can a fighter truly succeed at the highest level without prioritizing footwork? Or is du Plessis redefining modern MMA with a style uniquely suited to his strengths?

Dricus du Plessis: A Different Breed of Fighter

Dricus du Plessis is not your typical technical striker. Unlike fighters who rely on precise footwork to create openings, he takes a far more direct approach:

“You start running towards your opponent and throwing punches.”

This relentless pressure-based strategy has been the key to his success, overwhelming his opponents with sheer volume and physicality. His fighting style is explosive, unpredictable, and exhausting for anyone standing across from him in the cage.

Rather than focusing on controlled movement and calculated strikes, du Plessis forces chaos, disrupting his opponent’s rhythm and forcing them into uncomfortable exchanges. This approach may seem reckless, but it has proven effective at the highest levels of the sport.

Breaking down Du Plessis’ fighting style

To understand why du Plessis’ strategy works, we need to analyze the key components of his fighting style.

• Relentless Pressure and Forward Momentum

Unlike traditional counter-strikers who wait for openings, du Plessis dictates the pace by constantly moving forward. He puts his opponents on the back foot, making it difficult for them to set up their own attacks. This aggressive pressure forces mistakes and creates opportunities for him to land heavy strikes.

• Unorthodox Striking Mechanisms

While many elite strikers prioritize technical precision, du Plessis often throws wild, looping punches. His strikes are not always textbook-perfect, but they are deceptively effective. His ability to mix up angles and land shots from unpredictable positions keeps his opponents guessing.

• Raw Athleticism and Physicality

Du Plessis is one of the most physically imposing middleweights in the UFC. His incredible cardio, strength, and durability allow him to sustain his high-pressure style for multiple rounds. Even when absorbing damage, he continues pushing forward, breaking opponents mentally and physically.

• Ground Game and Grappling Prowess

Though best known for his striking pressure, du Plessis is a well-rounded fighter with a strong grappling background. He has multiple submission victories and a solid takedown game, making him a threat in every area of the fight. His ability to mix striking with grappling further enhances his unpredictability.

Is Footwork Really Overrated?

Many elite fighters, from Israel Adesanya to Conor McGregor, have built their success around elite footwork. Precise movement allows fighters to:

• Control distance and dictate range
• Avoid unnecessary damage through superior positioning
• Set up powerful counterattacks with superior angles

So why does du Plessis’ footwork philosophy work despite going against these traditional principles?

• Chaos Beats Structure

Most fighters train against structured, technically sound opponents. Du Plessis disrupts that structure by creating a chaotic, high-paced fight that takes his opponents out of their comfort zones.

• Durability Makes Up for Lack of Defense

Where some fighters rely on footwork for defense, du Plessis absorbs damage and keeps pressing forward. His toughness allows him to take shots that would deter most fighters.

• Volume and Pressure Create Openings

By constantly attacking, du Plessis prevents opponents from executing their own strategies. This relentless offense forces defensive mistakes, which he capitalizes on.

The Critics

While du Plessis’ all-action approach has brought him success, some analysts question its longevity. Does this style have limits against elite competition?

• Elite Strikers Could Exploit His Openings

Fighters with exceptional footwork and precision, such as Israel Adesanya or Robert Whittaker, could potentially exploit du Plessis’ lack of defensive movement. If he faces an opponent with strong counters, his aggressive approach could backfire.

• High Energy Expenditure

Constantly pressing forward at full speed requires tremendous cardio. While du Plessis has excellent conditioning, his style demands a huge energy output. Against durable opponents, he may risk burning himself out in later rounds.

• Increased Damage Over Time

Absorbing damage and relying on toughness is not a sustainable strategy for MMA longevity. Fighters who take too many unnecessary shots often experience declining durability over time. If du Plessis continues to fight this way, will his body hold up in future fights?

Why does Du Plessis’ style work in today’s UFC middleweight division?

Despite the criticisms, du Plessis has proven that his style is effective against top-tier opponents. His success is not just about recklessness—it’s about how his attributes complement his unorthodox approach.

• Cardio and Conditioning: He can maintain his high-pressure offense without fading.
• Explosiveness and Power: His wild punches land with force, often stunning opponents.
• Mental Toughness: He thrives in high-pressure situations and doesn’t hesitate to engage in brawls.

Can Du Plessis Change the Game?

While his philosophy of “forgetting footwork” is unconventional, it challenges the traditional approach to striking. Fighters have long been taught to prioritize movement, but du Plessis’ success shows that pressure, durability, and aggression can be just as effective.

If he continues winning, future fighters may look to incorporate elements of his high-pressure strategy. Could we see a shift away from traditional footwork-focused striking in favor of chaotic, high-volume offense?

Conclusion

Dricus du Plessis’ statement that “footwork is not important” has sparked intense debate, but his results speak for themselves. By embracing an aggressive, high-pressure style, he has risen to the top of the UFC’s middleweight division.

Whether his approach will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, du Plessis is proving that breaking the rules of striking can still lead to championship gold.