“Are you taking the servants with you when you’re going back [to Africa with the belt]? Are you taking the servants with you if you’re going back?” Dricus Du Plessis aimed these controversial remarks at Israel Adesanya ahead of their 185-pound title fight last year. The statement struck a nerve, prompting an emotional Izzy to fire back through tears, saying, “What the f— are you even on about?” With Conor McGregor absent from the UFC scene, ‘Stillknocks’ has emerged as one of the promotion’s sharpest trash talkers.

However, unlike ‘The Notorious’, he doesn’t rely on excessive insults, threats, or brash antics. Instead, he maintains a “good guy” persona, using blunt, yet calculated remarks to unnerve his opponents (much like his fighting style). A prime example unfolded at the UFC 312 pre-fight press conference when former champion Sean Strickland attempted to take a verbal jab at Dricus Du Plessis, saying, “Dricus fights like a r—rd on a short bus.” Without hesitation, ‘Stillknocks’ fired back, “I fight like someone on a short bus, but you look like the driver… you’re not allowed near kids with that look anymore.”

The comment, referencing ‘Tarzan’s mustache, sent the media and fans into a fit of laughter, visibly shaking Sean Strickland in the process. However, former UFC star Chael Sonnen recently questioned Dricus Du Plessis’ “good guy” image while speaking to Daniel Cormier on their ESPN-powered YouTube podcast, Good Guy/Bad Guy. “When Dricus goes for the jugular, he somehow still manages to smile and come off as the good guy. But he’s not.”, Sonnen remarked.

He elaborated, “If you really listen to what Dricus is saying, that press conference was one of the most brutal we’ve ever seen. Sean had every right to lose his mind. I couldn’t believe how far Dricus took it. The thing is, he didn’t threaten violence, he didn’t use profanity, and he didn’t even raise his voice. Yet, it was a G-rated, awful, and deeply personal attack….almost like a counseling session thrown back in his face.”

However, while the UFC 312 press conference was intense, it didn’t reach the deeply personal level of UFC 297, where Dricus Du Plessis took things a step further by targeting ‘Tarzan’s childhood trauma. During their heated exchange, he delivered a ruthless remark, “You think your dad beat the s— out of you? Your dad doesn’t have s— on me. I’m going to show you what it’s like to get beaten. Every childhood memory you have is going to come back.” Recently, ‘Stillknocks’ shed light on his approach to trash-talk, offering insight into his calculated mind games. Let’s take a closer look.

Dricus Du Plessis comes clean about his trash-talk ahead of UFC 312

“And I think he’s used to being the bully, but he’s not used to being bullied. But I don’t have to hammer on that—I already won that fight,” Dricus Du Plessis remarked while speaking to MMA on Point about Sean Strickland. He referenced Strickland’s troubled past, specifically the abuse he endured from his father, which the American previously opened up about on Theo Von’s Podcast.

Despite time passing, the rivalry between ‘Stillknocks’ and Sean Strickland remains a compelling narrative. Dricus Du Plessis, known for his sharp wit and psychological warfare, doesn’t rely on outright insults or threats, yet his ability to get into his opponents’ heads is undeniable. This was on full display at UFC 305 in Perth, where he not only mentally unsettled Israel Adesanya in the lead-up to the fight but also backed up his words by submitting the former champion inside the Octagon. His strategic approach to trash talk has cemented him as a master of mental warfare.

Recently, ‘Stillknocks’ unique way of getting under his opponents’ skin caught the attention of UFC media personality Nina-Marie Daniele. During a media interview, she asked him about the secret behind his trash-talking style and how he developed it.

Du Plessis offered a candid and humorous response: “I guess you could say I’ve had plenty of practice. I didn’t pay for any classes, no, but if you meet my family and friends—my brothers, my close circle—you’d understand. I’ve been through more than enough ‘training sessions.’ This is second nature to me. I’ve realized that people get offended so easily. At first, I was just being friendly, and suddenly people started getting emotional….just a few friends sitting around the fire, having a laugh.”

What are your thoughts on Dricus Du Plessis’ trash-talking skills? Could he eventually rival UFC megastar Conor McGregor in the art of verbal warfare if he stays on this trajectory? Share your opinion below!