In a year brimming with electrifying moments and career-defining accomplishments, Dricus du Plessis has emerged as a formidable force in the UFC middleweight division. At 30 years old, the South African native's meteoric rise has captivated MMA fans worldwide, with each bout adding to a legacy of grit, determination, and undeniable skill.
Du Plessis clinched the UFC middleweight championship title at UFC 297 in January, edging out Sean Strickland in a thrilling contest that ended in a split decision. That victory was a testament to du Plessis' resilience and strategic prowess inside the octagon. What followed was a string of performances that illustrated his dominant presence in the sport.
Reflecting on his recent achievements, du Plessis recorded noteworthy stoppage victories over formidable opponents Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Robert Whittaker. However, it was his astonishing submission win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August that truly cemented his status as a top-tier fighter. Employing a devastating face crank, du Plessis forced Adesanya to tap in the fourth round, marking one of the most significant wins of his career.
Currently riding a five-fight win streak in the UFC, du Plessis boasts six stoppage wins from his eight UFC fights. This incredible run has propelled him to the fifth position in the men's pound-for-pound rankings, solidifying his reputation as a dominant champion.
The excitement in the UFC is not confined to the middleweight division. Islam Makhachev, with an imposing record of 26-1, continues to assert his dominance in the lightweight division. Makhachev's latest victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 has only further established his prowess, positioning him as a key figure in the UFC landscape.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones, a legend in his own right, holds a record of 27-1 with 1 no contest in the heavyweight division. Jones was scheduled to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic last November, but a pectoral tear during training delayed the highly anticipated bout.
In the light heavyweight division, Alex Pereira has been making waves with his remarkable performances. Pereira, who headlined UFC 300 in April, delivered a stunning finish against Jamahal Hill. He followed that up by knocking out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 in July. Pereira’s record now stands at an impressive 11-2.
The featherweight division has its own undefeated superstar in Ilia Topuria. With a spotless record of 15-0, Topuria finished Alexander Volkanovski within the first two rounds at UFC 298 in February. He is set to defend his title against Max Holloway in October at UFC 308. Holloway, a seasoned fighter with a record of 26-7, is on a three-fight win streak and remains a formidable challenger at 32 years old.
In the welterweight division, Belal Muhammad continues his impressive run. With an 11-fight unbeaten streak, Muhammad stands tall with a record of 24-4-1. His consistent performances have made him a significant contender in his weight class.
Sean O'Malley, the bantamweight champion, holds a record of 17-1-1. O'Malley’s victory over Marlon Vera at UFC 299 showcased his striking skills and affirmed his status as a top-tier fighter in the division.
In the flyweight division, Alexandre Pantoja and Alexa Grasso share the spotlight. Pantoja, with a record of 28-5, and Grasso, boasting a record of 16-3-1, have both demonstrated their supremacy. Grasso's rematch with Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC ended in a split draw, underscoring the closely contested nature of their rivalry. Shevchenko, a fighter with a record of 23-4-1, remains a significant name in the division.
Over in the strawweight division, Zhang Weili holds the title with a record of 25-3. Tatiana Suarez, another undefeated phenom with a 10-0 record, recently submitted Jessica Andrade, further highlighting her potential for future championship contention. Manon Fiorot, carrying a record of 12-1, also made headlines after defeating Erin Blanchfield by a shutout decision, adding depth to the competitive landscape.
As the UFC continues to deliver jaw-dropping bouts and rising stars, fighters like Dricus du Plessis, Islam Makhachev, Jon Jones, and others are shaping the future of the sport. Their performances not only captivate audiences but also inspire the next generation of fighters. Whether it’s through a thrilling split decision, a powerful knockout, or a masterful submission, these athletes continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in mixed martial arts.