Henry Cejudo, a two-division UFC champion, has thrown his support behind the current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis. Du Plessis has been on a remarkable run, boasting an impressive record of 23 wins and only 2 losses in MMA, with a flawless 9-0 standing in the UFC. His latest victory against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, held in Sydney, marked a significant milestone in his career as he defended his title successfully for the second time. As the hype around Du Plessis intensifies, UFC fans are left wondering if he can rise to new heights by taking on formidable challengers.
The middleweight champion has set his sights on a future bout with Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter known for his explosive grappling and striking prowess, now sporting an undefeated MMA record of 14-0. Chimaev’s potential challenge promises excitement given the contrasting styles between him and Du Plessis. Cejudo is particularly enthusiastic about the outcome of this match-up, predicting that Du Plessis possesses the necessary skills to deliver Chimaev his first loss. According to Cejudo, Du Plessis’ wrestling ability and conditioning place him in an advantageous position, making him a potential nightmare for the Chechen fighter, who is known for his grappling dominance.
While Cejudo believes in Du Plessis’ capability to overcome Chimaev, he raises important tactical considerations, especially regarding Du Plessis’ grappling and striking mix against notable counter-strikers like Alex Pereira. Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, poses a unique threat with his precision and timing. Cejudo emphasized the need for Du Plessis to maintain caution, alluding to the vulnerabilities he observed in Du Plessis’ fighting style. Despite this, Cejudo reaffirmed a strong belief in Du Plessis’ ability to adapt and overcome any challenges.
One of the highlights of Cejudo’s analysis is Du Plessis’ extraordinary conditioning, particularly evident during his recent five-round fight against Strickland. Cejudo noted that Du Plessis showcased exceptional stamina, hinting that he could potentially compete indefinitely if required. This level of fitness positions Du Plessis as one of the most physically prepared fighters in the division, possibly placing him in the conversation for top cardiovascular athletes in the UFC. His conditioning, coupled with his wrestling background, provides him with a multifaceted approach to combat that could disrupt opponents like Chimaev and Pereira.
As Du Plessis embarks on this upward trajectory, fans are eager to watch how he maneuvers through the challenges ahead. The looming potential matchups against premier fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Alex Pereira could redefine the landscape of the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. With dedicated support from seasoned champions like Henry Cejudo, Dricus Du Plessis might be an unstoppable force that changes the narrative in the octagon. The anticipation around his career progression fosters excitement within the UFC community, making it essential for fans and analysts alike to keep a close watch on his journey.