Dricus Du Plessis has remained undefeated for more than seven years, defeating elite fighters including Robert Whittaker and Darren Till. Despite his long list of victories, Du Plessis revealed that the toughest opponent he has faced in his career is Israel Adesanya. He described the fight as his most difficult and nerve-wracking moment in the sport, recognizing Adesanya’s unpredictable danger every second in the cage.

In an interview with Betway, Du Plessis shared how Adesanya has been a figure of respect and study for him. The South African fighter said he spent years analyzing Adesanya’s techniques, as the former middleweight champion set the standard in the division and was the primary target for many contenders.

I have to say Adesanya was the best guy I faced. Probably the fight I was most nervous for. He can catch you with anything, anytime. All the time I spent looking up to him and studying him, because he was the benchmark,

Du Plessis said.

Memorable Moment: The UFC 309 Upset Victory

At UFC 309, Du Plessis pulled off a dramatic upset against Adesanya. Although he faced difficulties in the early rounds and appeared on the verge of defeat, Du Plessis managed to turn the tide unexpectedly. He secured a submission win, marking a significant highlight in his career and proving that his preparation and tenacity could overcome one of the sport’s most formidable fighters.

Outlook on Upcoming UFC 319 Bout Between Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev

Looking forward, the MMA community is buzzing about Du Plessis’ upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Caio Borralho expressed confidence that Chimaev could claim victory, but he acknowledged the challenge of facing Du Plessis, who has proven tough for many opponents in previous matches. Borralho speculated the fight might conclude quickly, potentially in the early rounds, similar to Chimaev’s fight with Robert Whittaker.

Opinions are divided: some predict a swift finish by Chimaev, while others believe that if Du Plessis can survive the initial onslaught, his endurance and power could shift momentum in his favor. This makes the matchup one of the most anticipated events in the division, with fans eagerly watching to see if Du Plessis can defy the odds once again.