UFC analysis: How South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis built an unstoppable legacy
Dricus du Plessis has spent his entire career proving people wrong. Few fighters have changed the landscape of a sport in their home country quite like ‘DDP’.
As South Africa’s first UFC champion, he has become more than just an elite mixed martial artist, inspiring a new generation of fighters while establishing himself as one of the most dominant competitors in the middleweight division.
From critics questioning his unconventional fighting style to doubters dismissing his championship credentials, the South African has answered almost every challenge in the octagon.
Now, as one of the UFC’s biggest stars, ‘DDP’ is doing more than fiercely representing his country - he is reshaping the legacy of African mixed martial arts, writes Sports News Blitz’s Juliette White.
UFC analysis: Five things Dricus du Plessis proved in his dominant win over Kamaru Usman
Dricus du Plessis returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a unanimous decision victory over former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.
The South African controlled much of the five-round contest, earning scorecards of 50-45 and 49-46 twice after producing one of the most complete performances of his career.
It was a display that drew praise even from former rival Israel Adesanya, who described it as the best he has seen from Du Plessis.
Sports News Blitz’s MMA expert Aidan Leo unpacks five major takeaways from a performance that could reshape the UFC middleweight division.
UFC Oklahoma analysis: Kamaru Usman vs Dricus Du Plessis predictions and preview
UFC Oklahoma will be headlined by former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on July 18 at the Paycom Center.
Usman is coming off a huge win against surging welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley, while Du Plessis arrives off a loss to Khamzat Chimaev, which cost him the middleweight strap.
‘DDP’ is currently the number-two-ranked contender, with number-one-ranked Chimaev recently losing his title to Sean Strickland.
The Chechen most likely needs to win another fight before earning a second shot at middleweight gold.
Sports News Blitz’s MMA writer Luke Mullaney previews the notable Du Plessis vs Usman clash, as well as the implications the fight will have on the middleweight division.
MMA opinion: Will Sean Strickland have a chance at middleweight gold again?
Sean Strickland is a controversial figure in the world of MMA.
The former middleweight champion pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history after his win against Israel Adesanya in 2023.
But does he still have the skills to take back the belt from Khamzat Chimaev? Sport News Blitz writer Cameron Cleugh gives his opinion.
MMA news: UFC President Dana White offers major updates ahead of UFC 317 and UFC 319
UFC President Dana White has dropped some mammoth news pertaining to upcoming bouts that will no doubt change the complexion of 2025.
News ranging from stars Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, to the shake-ups in the middleweight division relating to champ Dricus Du Plessis, leaving us with plenty of scintillating fight news to discuss.
Sports News Blitz writer Aidan Leo walks you through all the recent fight revelations dropped by president Dana White.
MMA news: Dricus du Plessis dismisses injury rumours ahead of potential Khamzat Chimaev bout
Sports News Blitz MMA expert Niall Togher breaks down the latest surrounding Dricus Du Plessis, who has firmly denied injury rumours ahead of a potential clash with Khamzat Chimaev.
As speculation swirls about a possible showdown at International Fight Week, Du Plessis has made it clear he's still in control of the middleweight title picture.
MMA news: ‘Uninspiring’ Sean Strickland needs to ‘evaluate’ his future, says Eric Nicksick
At UFC 312, Sean Strickland's performance in his rematch with Dricus Du Plessis left much to be desired, prompting his head coach, Eric Nicksick, to offer a candid evaluation of his fighter's future in MMA.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher reports on Nicksick's comments regarding Strickland's performance.
MMA news: ‘He deserves a hiding!’ - Dricus Du Plessis wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev next
Dricus Du Plessis solidified his status as the UFC middleweight king with a dominant five-round victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down Du Plessis’ next move as he sets his sights on a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev.
MMA betting tips: Dricus Du Plessis to stop Sean Strickland late and end their rivalry emphatically
On Sunday, February 9, at 3 am, MMA fans will witness a heated rivalry between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland reach its climax in a highly anticipated rematch.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down what to expect from this explosive showdown.
MMA news: ‘Easy payday!’ - Dricus Du Plessis responds to potential fight against Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev’s dominant win at UFC 311 has sparked talk of a potential middleweight showdown against Dricus Du Plessis.
While Makhachev has long expressed his desire to become a two-division champion, Du Plessis isn’t ruling out the challenge.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher breaks down Du Plessis’ response, Makhachev’s ambitions, and what this matchup could mean for the UFC.