By UFC 305 has wrapped up, and Dricus du Plessis remains the Middleweight Champion. Known for his unique and often criticized fighting style, du Plessis secured his title with a fourth-round submission, leaving many fans puzzled by how someone with apparent flaws continues to dominate. Despite any skepticism, du Plessis is now the top contender at 185 pounds, boasting three consecutive wins over former UFC champions. It’s clear he’s at the top, so let’s explore what’s next after UFC 305.
Dricus du Plessis: A Paradox in MMA
Du Plessis is a paradoxical figure in MMA, often referred to as “the best worst fighter” or “the worst best fighter.” While many analysts argue that his fighting technique is far from ideal, du Plessis continues to defy expectations by winning in ways that seem unlikely, yet undeniable. He is undefeated in the UFC, with an 8-0 record and six stoppages, including victories over two of the greatest middleweights of this era. Despite his unconventional and often unattractive fighting style, du Plessis has shown that his flaws are part of what makes him successful.
The Strengths Behind the Champion
Although du Plessis is not your textbook fighter, his combination of physical strength, durability, grit, and strategic intelligence makes him a formidable opponent. His ability to outthink his opponents and tailor his strategy for each fight has proven effective. Against Israel Adesanya, for example, du Plessis predicted Adesanya’s approach and exploited it to perfection. In MMA, skill is important, but being physically dominant and resilient can often be the deciding factors in a fight.
Future Contenders
Sean Strickland is likely to be the next challenger for du Plessis, especially given how close their previous fight was. However, Strickland’s potential victory would likely come through a narrow decision rather than an exciting finish. If someone is to dethrone du Plessis, it might be Khamzat Chimaev, whose physicality could match du Plessis’. While du Plessis would still be favored, Chimaev’s strength and wrestling ability make him a potential threat.
Unconventional Success in MMA
Du Plessis isn’t alone in succeeding with an unorthodox style. Fighters like Justin Gaethje, Brian Ortega, and Jiri Prochazka also defy conventional wisdom with their approaches. Gaethje’s chaotic style, Ortega’s relentless offense despite poor defense, and Prochazka’s unpredictable fighting have all led them to success in the octagon, much like du Plessis.
Dream Matchups
One of the most anticipated matchups would be du Plessis versus Jiri Prochazka. Fans are eager to see this chaotic and thrilling fight, which would be a display of unconventional MMA at its finest. Other potential matchups, such as Israel Adesanya vs. Jiri Prochazka, are also discussed as possible future events that could excite fans.
Other Fighters and Controversies
Kai Kara-France’s recent victory positions him as a strong contender for a flyweight title shot against Alexandre Pantoja. With the flyweight division in a state of flux, Kara-France’s win could secure him a shot at the belt. The article also touches on a controversial judging decision at UFC 305, where judge Howie Booth’s questionable scorecard led to him being removed from the event. The article concludes that Booth’s error was likely due to incompetence rather than malice, but it underscores the need for accountability in MMA judging.
Overall, UFC 305 showcased du Plessis’ unconventional dominance, raised questions about future challengers, and highlighted the unpredictable nature of MMA.
