How did Dricus Du Plessis get to the UFC? Controversial “King of Africa” fight, road to the MW title and more

Eleven years before, a young man began his Trip into the world of martial arts. It was a hard and rebellious journey, and it began in South Africa. This fighter’s journey from Extreme Fighting Championship to UFC title holder is a story of persistence, Ambition, And grit! The rise of the South African-born player is not only his own achievement, but also a monumental sign for his coaches and team members. Today The Man known as Dricus Du Plessis also known 'Still knocking' is in top form and ready to be part of another historic moment, because he will fight Israel Adesanya at UFC305.

So let us immerse yourself in the story of how he started in the UFC. What be Trip Was as with A much success and a little controversy?

Controversial fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Yannick Bahati, MMA record before UFC

Dricus Du Plessis had, starting with the EFC, laid the concrete foundation that had catapulted him into the UFC. The middleweight champion with a record of 21-2-0 started in the UFC in the UFC Fight Night 2020 at the age of 26 and hasn't looked back since. He defeated Markus Perez at UFC Fight Night and followed victories against Trevin Giles, Brad Tavares, Darren Till, Derek Brunson, Robert Whittaker and Finally Sean Strickland.

However, his fight with Yannik Bahati at the EFC is one of the most iconic due to the controversy. A A video of the fighter choking Bahati resurfaced after derogatory comments about his girlfriend surfaced on social media. The South African native and Bahati had fought each other for the EFC middleweight championship in August 2017.

The tension between the two escalated when “Stillknocks” confidently declared during EFC 62 that he would beat his opponent. Bahati did not stay silent and brought his opponent's girlfriend into the discussion to insult the fighter. Bahati even slapped Du Plessis during the face-off, but got his revenge during the fight.

During the fight, Du Plessis took the opportunity to use his grappling skills and choke his opponent with a guillotine choke. Du Plessis won the UFC middleweight championship in 2024 after defeating Sean Strickland, And now he defends his title at UFC 305. He started his professional career 11 years ago at CIT. The fighter has always trained rigorously And even now for the last fight; he went through the dangerous South African style of Training yourself.

The 30-year-old said before the media hype before UFC 305: “The coach will tell you: ‘Your hand is not high enough', or 'Your chin is in the air.' And he'll warn you. Then he'll warn you again. Then he'll say, 'I warned you twice about this, lay on your stomach.' And you lie down and get tasered on the foot. That's a great reminder.”

He had always done this type of training before joining the UFC. Du Plessis had three amateur fights before making his professional debut in 2013 with a 4-0 record. He then faced EFC middleweight champion Garreth McLellan at EFC Africa 33, losing via guillotine choke submission in the third round. In 2014 He rehabilitated himself with victories against Darren Daniel and Dino Bagattin.

'Stillknocks' even dethroned Roberto Soldić for the KSW Welterweight Championship, So He already had an impressive record before the UFC. Now that he is in the UFC and making history, let us see his Trip at UFC.

Dricus Du Plessis' Trip in the UFC

Du Plessis made his debut in 2020 against Marcus Perez at UFC Fight Night and He won by KO in the first round. Unfortunately for his second match with Travin Giles he had to cancel due to visa problems, But when the fight has been postponed for 2021 July, He won again by knockout in the second round. In 2023, he even faced Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 and secured a place as a contender for the number one middleweight title with his victory by knockout in the second round.

“Stillknocks” then defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297 to become the current UFC Middleweight Champion and the first South African to win a UFC title. This all sounds very impressive, but the training and practice that goes into it is even more commendable.

The 30-year-old was stunned with a taser during his training so that he could to make himself stronger. He recently revealed “It has been part of the team for over two years. We improved the taser because we got used to the old one. It didn't have the same effect. That's why we have the big one now, it's a real one.”

What do you think about his Trip so far? Tell us in the comments below.