Dricus Du Plessis Is the UFC Trying to Bury Its Own Champion

Dricus Du Plessis has conquered the middleweight division with grit, skill, and sheer determination. Yet, despite his achievements, the South African warrior is still fighting for the respect that should come with holding UFC gold. Is it bias, a lack of mainstream appeal, or something deeper? Let’s break it down and see if Du Plessis is a truly underappreciated king—or just another overhyped contender.

An Unstoppable Rise, But No Spotlight?

Du Plessis didn’t just walk into the title scene—he tore through it. With an undefeated UFC run and wins over top contenders, he earned his spot at the top. But where’s the love? Unlike other champions, he hasn’t been showered with media praise or hailed as the next big thing. Could it be that his style isn’t flashy enough, or is there a bias against fighters outside of the usual MMA hotspots?

There’s no denying that fighters from regions like the U.S. and Brazil often receive more attention. Du Plessis, hailing from South Africa, doesn’t fit the usual mold of a UFC superstar. The question is: Does that affect how the media and fans perceive him?

Destroying Hype Trains, Yet Still Doubted

From knocking out Robert Whittaker to dominating former contenders, Du Plessis has made a habit of proving people wrong. Yet, critics still label him as untested or lucky.

His relentless pressure, awkward-but-effective striking, and unbreakable cardio have dismantled top fighters, but the narrative around him remains skeptical. If anyone else had his résumé, would they be getting more respect? Fighters like Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya receive praise even after losses—so why is Du Plessis still fighting for recognition despite winning every battle?

Lack of Star Power—or Just Underrated?

Let’s be real: UFC superstars are often made, not just born. Some fighters get the full marketing push, while others grind their way to the top with little fanfare.

Du Plessis might not have the trash talk of McGregor or the charisma of Adesanya, but what he lacks in theatrics, he makes up for with raw dominance. He finishes fights, he breaks opponents, and he keeps winning. The problem? The UFC tends to favor fighters who can sell pay-per-views with their personalities just as much as their skills.

This raises an important question—does the UFC want him as their face of the division? Or are they waiting for someone more marketable to take the belt?

Time to Rally or Expose the Hype?

So, where do you stand? Is Du Plessis the most underrated champion in recent memory, or is there a reason why fans and media aren’t fully on board? One thing’s for sure—he’s not backing down. With every fight, he forces the world to take notice. Whether you’re all in on the Du Plessis train or waiting for him to fall, there’s no denying he’s making an impact.