Robert Whittaker admits Dricus Du Plessis has confused him—Here’s why

Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, has quickly established himself as one of the most formidable fighters in the division. With a string of impressive victories over elite competitors such as Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker, the 31-year-old South African has showcased his diverse skill set, securing wins via split decisions, submissions, and knockouts.

As he prepares for a highly anticipated rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, the first major UFC event in Australia in 2025, the buzz around Dricus Du Plessis continues to grow. His technical prowess and unorthodox fighting style have sparked lively discussions among fans and fighters alike.

Whittaker’s Candid Reflection on His Fight with Du Plessis

In a recent episode of the podcast ‘MMArcade,’ Robert Whittaker opened up about his experience fighting Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 in 2023. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, described the perplexing nature of Du Plessis’ fighting style.

“When I fought him, in the first 30 seconds, I thought, ‘Man, this guy is slow,’” Whittaker admitted. “But then, all of a sudden, I was like, ‘Man, he’s just… man!’ And then I got punched in the face.”

This candid reflection highlights how Dricus Du Plessis lulls his opponents into underestimating him before unleashing a burst of calculated aggression. Whittaker’s admission underscores the deceptive nature of Du Plessis’ approach, which combines deliberate pacing with sudden, explosive power.

The Unpredictable Style of Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis’ fighting style is a unique blend of patience and precision. His ability to read his opponent’s movements and capitalize on small openings has made him a nightmare to prepare for. Fighters often struggle to adjust to his pace, which can appear slow initially but shifts dynamically as he finds his rhythm.

Whittaker’s experience reflects the broader challenge that fighters face when stepping into the octagon with Du Plessis. His unorthodox timing and ability to mix strikes, grappling, and clinch work make him a versatile and unpredictable opponent.

A Champion’s Rapid Ascent

Dricus Du Plessis’ rapid rise to the top of the middleweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. After defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, Du Plessis solidified his status as a true champion. His performance showcased not only his technical skills but also his ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes fights.

Now, as he prepares for his rematch with Sean Strickland, Du Plessis faces the challenge of defending his title in a new environment. UFC 312 in Australia promises to be a landmark event, and the stakes are higher than ever for the champion to prove his dominance once again.

What Makes Du Plessis So Dangerous?

One of the key aspects of Dricus Du Plessis’ success is his mental toughness. He maintains composure under pressure and adapts his strategy mid-fight, as seen in his victories over top-tier opponents. His ability to disguise his intentions and then strike with precision has earned him the nickname “Still Knocks.”

Another factor is Du Plessis’ well-rounded skill set. Whether it’s striking, grappling, or clinch work, he can dominate in multiple areas of the fight. His unpredictability forces opponents to stay on high alert, often leading to mistakes that he exploits with devastating results.

Conclusion

Robert Whittaker’s admission about being confused by Dricus Du Plessis speaks volumes about the champion’s unique approach to fighting. Du Plessis’ ability to combine deceptive pacing with sudden bursts of aggression makes him one of the most unpredictable fighters in the UFC.

As Du Plessis gears up for his rematch with Sean Strickland at UFC 312, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if his unorthodox style continues to dominate the middleweight division. Whether you’re a fan of Whittaker, Adesanya, or Strickland, there’s no denying that Dricus Du Plessis has become a central figure in the UFC and a true test for any competitor who steps into the octagon with him.