Du Plessis Promises Unstoppable Vengeance After Defeat: UFC Returns with Fury

Dricus du Plessis Promises an Unstoppable Comeback After UFC Defeat

The South African UFC fighter, Dricus du Plessis, has stated that he will return to the octagon stronger than ever after his middleweight title loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Du Plessis, known as ‘Stillknocks’, shared his reflections on Instagram on Monday, revealing that he has spent the week following his defeat recovering with friends and family. Although he accepted the defeat, which was resounding, he issued a warning to his critics.

“I accept this defeat with open arms, because believe me, as much as I hate losing, it’s part of life and our game, and I think it’s necessary in my quest for greatness. ‘Without the bitter, the sweet wouldn’t be so sweet'”.

Dricus du Plessis

Du Plessis, the first UFC champion from South Africa, wrote in his first post since the fight in Chicago:

“Make no mistake, I am not a good loser, because a good loser becomes a frequent one. However, I am an avid learner of the arts and of life itself. This defeat has ignited a desire in me that will have the consequence of an attack greater than the original domination: my return to glory and the pursuit of greatness will be unimaginable to the average mind”.

Dricus du Plessis

The wrestler also expressed:

“I have absolutely no excuse for my performance, I was outmatched by a better fighter that night, congratulations to my opponent and thank you for the honor of sharing the octagon with you. And sincerely, thank you to all those who enjoyed seeing me fall, because I will return the favor, as I always have.”

Dricus du Plessis

In January 2024, Du Plessis was crowned UFC middleweight champion after defeating Sean Strickland. Subsequently, he defended his belt against Israel Adesanya in August and again against Strickland in February of this year. His third title defense did not go as expected against Chimaev, who dominated Du Plessis from the start, controlling all five rounds on the ground. Although Du Plessis managed to resist the submission, Chimaev won by unanimous decision. After the fight, Du Plessis praised his opponent:

“The man has incredible control at the top. It wasn’t a matter of strength, it wasn’t physical, it was almost like he knew what your next move would be. I could almost taste that victory [with the key in the fifth round], but he won fair and square. He was the better man tonight. I will come back to reclaim my belt, but for now, it’s his. He deserves it”.

Dricus du Plessis