Jon Jones thinks middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis‘ fighting style is awkward but effective. The UFC heavyweight champion, and many people’s pick for the MMA GOAT, was asked by a fan what he thought of Du Plessis’ UFC 305 win over Israel Adesanya. ‘DDP’ defeated ‘Izzy’ in the fourth round, catching the Kiwi in a lethal rear naked choke hold. Adesanya, coming off of a hiatus from fighting, looked like his vintage self and was starting to dominate on the feet, especially in the second and third rounds.

However, Du Plessis, using his relentless pressure and aggressive fighting style, was happy to take a few rather than fight going back. Just as it seemed ‘Izzy’ had ‘DDP’ figured out, the South African caught Adesanya with a series of blows, downing him, and finishing him on the ground. Jones believes that while his fighting style may not look very aesthetically pleasing, his style of fighting is undoubtedly effective.

“The champ has an awkward style, but it’s effective that’s for sure,” Jones tweeted.

Du Plessis’ fighting style, of course, is a unique one. The middleweight champ is a master of switching stances constantly confusing his opponents. Combined with his always-coming-forward and offense followed by offense followed by offense approach to fighting, and solid defense makes him a very challenging matchup indeed.

Much of what he does in the octagon seems wrong from a technical point of view, but somehow he is able to swarm, confuse, and overwhelm his opponents with his sheer tenacity and aggressiveness. As Israel Adesanya found out in their UFC 305 clash, and as Jon Jones pointed out. And in his next fight the middleweight champ is facing an opponent who has an awkward fighting style of his own.

Sean Strickland and his awkward fighting style next for Du Plessis

While Du Plessis fighting style was enough to finish Israel Adesanya, the South African champ did not have as much success in his last fight. After all, he went to a decision with Sean Strickland whom he defeated at UFC 297 this January to become the champion.

Stylistically, Strickland’s own Philly shell, defense-first, constantly moving forward approach to fighting was a good match for ‘DDP’s. Because of this the American was able to go toe-to-toe for five rounds with the South African. While ‘DDP’ managed to eke out a close split decision, many such as Dana White felt the decision should have gone Strickland’s way.

However, precisely because of how close their fight was, Strickland is next in line for Du Plessis, Dana White confirmed after UFC 305. And this time around, ‘DDP’ is looking to leave no doubt who the better fighter is and deserves to be the champion. What are your predictions for Du Plessis- Strickland 2?