“He fights like a ret–d off a short bus…it’s like if you were to go watch two little special kids fight, they would resemble Dricus du Plessis,” Sean Strickland said earlier this month, taking a hilarious jab at reigning UFC middleweight champion during a conversation with Daniel Cormier ahead of their rematch at UFC 312. The South African powerhouse has now solidified his spot at the top of the middleweight division, defeating some of the sport’s most elite names.

His resume now includes victories over former champions Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and, most recently, ‘Tarzan’. However, his unconventional yet highly effective fighting style has often been a subject of ridicule in the MMA community. UFC CEO Dana White once likened his movement to “how a white guy dances,” while middleweight contender Chris Curtis took it even further, describing it as “a c-ked-out chimpanzee in a phone booth.” Unfazed by the criticism, Du Plessis continues to silence his doubters with dominant performances inside the Octagon.

Today, at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, the champ dished out a masterclass defending his title in a grueling five-round war. Not only did he crush Strickland’s hopes of reclaiming gold, but he also left him battered and bloodied in the process. Now, rising UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley has stepped up in support of Du Plessis, shutting down critics while praising the champion’s effectiveness.

In a recent post on X, ‘New Mansa’ wrote, “I will be the first to say this—don’t let DDP’s goofy-a-s fighting style trick ya. You’re not gonna beat buddy unless you can turn his TV off or control him on the ground for 25 minutes straight. You can’t play with buddy ’cause he’s gonna put you in a fight, which a lot of y’all ain’t used to in the UFC.”

Long before making his mark in the UFC, Du Plessis had already built a reputation as a dominant force in MMA. He captured championship gold in multiple promotions, including EFC and Poland’s KSW, solidifying his status as an elite competitor. His combat sports journey began in kickboxing, where he amassed an impressive amateur record of 33 wins, with 30 coming by knockout.

‘StillKnocks’ also showcased his grappling prowess at a Submission Kings Quintet event, representing CIT MMA and single-handedly defeating all five members of the opposing team. Now, as a reigning UFC champion, his legacy continues to grow—not just through his victories but also through the respect he has earned, even from former rivals, including one who once knocked him out.

Dricus Du Plessis’ former opponent reacts to his UFC success

Despite maintaining an undefeated record in the UFC at 9-0, Dricus Du Plessis’ overall career resume isn’t without its setbacks. He has suffered two professional losses, both coming during his time in Xtreme Fighting Championships (EFC) and KSW. One of the most notable defeats came in 2018 at the hands of Roberto Soldic, a former two-division KSW champion, who not only knocked him out but also took his title in the Polish MMA promotion.

Despite the years that have passed since their fight, Soldic has nothing but respect for the UFC champ. In a recent interview, he acknowledged the South African’s success in the UFC, telling MMA Fighting, “I wasn’t surprised. Even in our first fight, he showed his power with a big knockout using his left hand—he’s a really good striker. I knew he was strong. People often ask me what it was like to fight him. Back then, he was incredibly powerful—well-conditioned, awkward to deal with, and completely unpredictable. You never know what’s coming with him.”

Fast forward nearly seven years, and ‘StillKnocks’ has cemented himself as the UFC middleweight champion, riding an impressive 11-fight win streak. Meanwhile, Soldic is carving his own path in ONE Championship and is set to return to international competition at ONE 171 in Qatar this February. What do you think of Dricus Du Plessis’ fighting style? Do you find it unique and effective, or do you agree with the criticism he’s received? Share your thoughts below!