Rise of a Middleweight Champion: Dricus du Plessis
At 30 years old, Dricus du Plessis has firmly established himself as a dominant force in the UFC. A native of South Africa, du Plessis captured the UFC middleweight championship with a series of thrilling performances that have captivated MMA fans worldwide.
In January, du Plessis secured a split decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297, showcasing his resilience and tactical acumen. This win marked the beginning of an impressive streak, setting the stage for what was to come.
Notably, du Plessis has achieved significant stoppage victories over well-known fighters Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Robert Whittaker. These victories not only underscored his striking power and versatility but also solidified his reputation as a formidable contender in the middleweight division.
In a highly anticipated bout in August, du Plessis faced Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. The South African fighter displayed exceptional grappling skills, submitting Adesanya in the fourth round with a face crank. This victory cemented his status as the UFC middleweight champion and added another highlight to his already impressive career.
With a current streak of five straight wins in the UFC, du Plessis boasts a record that includes six stoppage wins in his eight UFC fights. His remarkable run has propelled him to the fifth spot in the men's pound-for-pound rankings, reflecting his skill and consistency in the octagon.
Other UFC Highlights
Islam Makhachev, another standout athlete in the UFC, holds an impressive 26-1 record in the lightweight division. Makhachev recently defeated Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, further solidifying his position as a top contender.
In the heavyweight division, Jon Jones continues to be a formidable presence with a record of 27-1, along with one no contest. Jones was scheduled to defend his title against Stipe Miocic last November but suffered a pectoral tear in training, delaying the highly anticipated bout.
Meanwhile, Alex Pereira has made significant strides in the light heavyweight division, boasting a record of 11-2. Pereira headlined UFC 300 in April, where he finished Jamahal Hill. He followed up this performance by knocking out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 in July, underscoring his knockout power and making a strong case for himself in the division.
Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria remains undefeated with a perfect record of 15-0. Earlier this year, Topuria finished Alexander Volkanovski within the first two rounds at UFC 298. He is scheduled to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October. Holloway, with a record of 26-7 and currently on a three-fight win streak, poses a significant challenge for Topuria.
In the welterweight division, Belal Muhammad continues his remarkable run with an 11-fight unbeaten streak, amassing a record of 24-4 with one no contest. His consistency and perseverance have made him one of the most talked-about fighters in his division.
Champions Across Divisions
Sean O'Malley holds the bantamweight title, sporting a record of 17-1 with one no contest. He recently defeated Marlon Vera at UFC 299, cementing his place as the top fighter in his division.
In the flyweight division, there are two champions. Alexandre Pantoja, with a record of 28-5, and Alexa Grasso, who holds a record of 16-3-1. Grasso's recent title rematch against Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC ended in a split draw, leaving their rivalry unresolved. Shevchenko, another elite athlete in the division, holds a record of 23-4-1.
Zhang Weili, the strawweight champion, has compiled an impressive record of 25-3. Her dominance in the division remains unchallenged as she continues to demonstrate her prowess in every fight.
Undefeated fighters like Tatiana Suarez, with a record of 10-0, add depth to the roster of champions within the UFC. Suarez’s recent victory in August, where she submitted Jessica Andrade, showcased her continued ascendancy in the sport.
In a competitive flyweight division, Manon Fiorot, holding a record of 12-1, recently defeated Erin Blanchfield by shutout decision, further establishing her credentials as a top contender.
The UFC continues to produce exceptional talent across various weight classes, with each athlete contributing to the thrill and unpredictability of the sport. As Dricus du Plessis and his peers continue their rise, the future of MMA looks brighter than ever.