UFC boss Dana White once compared Dricus du Plessis' fighting style to "a white guy dancing".
This comment came after middleweight champ Du Plessis' successful title defence against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia last year.
Some people have also described Stillknocks' fighting technique as "extremely awkward" and “wild”. However, it's definitely working for him, as his fourth-round submission victory over Adesanya extended his unbeaten streak in the UFC to eight and he is now considered to be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC.
On Sunday, Du Plessis will put that middleweight title on the line for a second time when he steps into the octagon against Sean Strickland, who he beat in January last year to become the first South African to win a UFC title.
Strickland, on the other hand, is a very different fighter, with a methodical style that wears opponents down before he strikes the decisive blow. Strickland, although nicknamed Tarzan, is definitely not as “wild” as Du Plessis and prefers to take on his opponents from a stable base.
In their first bout, Du Plessis beat Strickland by split-decision after the fight went the full five rounds. Both men looked battered and bruised after the fight, which could have gone either way.
Fans expect more of the same on Sunday morning (SA time), with the highly-anticipated rematch headlining UFC 312 in Sydney Australia.
IOL Sport’s John Goliath looks at the difference in styles of the two fighters and what makes them so effective.
Dricus du Plessis
Du Plessis is a fighter renowned for his explosive and aggressive striking on the front foot. He wants to close to his opponent to deliver powerful strikes that aim to cause maximum damage.
His arsenal includes heavy hooks, vicious elbows, and unpredictable flying knees and kicks because of decorated kickboxing history. But this also leaves him open to be caught on the counter, with one mistake giving his opponents the opportunity to land big blows.
Beyond striking, Du Plessis also possesses a robust wrestling and grappling game, often utilising takedowns to gain control over his opponents and unleash brutal ground-and-pound.
This well-rounded game and unorthodox striking make him a versatile and dangerous competitor. Just ask Adesanya.
Sean Strickland
Strickland is known for his technical and relentless striking, and a fighter who embodies the essence of pressure combat. His style revolves around a high-volume output backed by a methodical approach that seeks to wear opponents down over the course of the fight.
Strickland favours a tight, upright guard, often opting for blocking and parrying techniques instead of relying on head movement. This can be risky, especially against fighters with precise shots, but Strickland’s remarkable durability allows him to withstand the onslaught.
He has mastered the art of controlling the centre of the octagon, forcing opponents to respond quickly to his advances, which can disrupt their gameplans.
The key to his effectiveness is his impressive cardio, which enables him to maintain a relentless pace throughout five rounds. Most of his fights go the distance, losing only twice on points when the judges have had to decide his fate.
Sunday’s bout sets the stage for a fascinating juxtaposition of styles. Strickland’s technical striking and endurance will be tested against Du Plessis’s explosive power and grappling acumen. It sets up to be another fight for the ages.
@JohnGoliath82