{"id":16460,"date":"2025-01-31T02:46:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T01:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=16460"},"modified":"2025-01-31T02:46:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T01:46:18","slug":"former-middleweight-champion-backs-dricus-du-plessis-toughness-ahead-of-sean-strickland-rematch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/former-middleweight-champion-backs-dricus-du-plessis-toughness-ahead-of-sean-strickland-rematch\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Middleweight Champion Backs Dricus Du Plessis\u2019 Toughness Ahead Of Sean Strickland Rematch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Few things carry more weight in the sports world than praise from a former champion. Luke Rockhold, who held the UFC <\/a>middleweight crown back in 2015 after dethroning Chris Weidman, knows a thing or two about what it takes to reach the top. He has seen countless fighters come and go, each claiming to have that special something. <\/p>

However, when Rockhold spoke about Dricus Du Plessis’s drive and determination, it hit different.There was a time when Rockhold himself was known for his relentless pace and iron will. Well, game recognizes game!<\/p>

Also Read: ‘I am from the hood’ – Tracy Cortez Recalls Details Of Fiery UFC 311 Backstage Encounter With UFC Rival<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Luke Rockhold Comments On Dricus Du Plessis <\/h2>

The timing of Luke Rockhold’s comments couldn’t be more relevant as it is coming hot on the heels of DDP’s rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. At UFC 305 against Israel Adesana, fans saw how ‘Stillknocks’ refused to break under Adesanya’s precise striking, showing the kind of grit that makes champions. <\/p>

Rockhold, who’s never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, pointed out that Du Plessis’s mental toughness sets him apart from the pack. He revealed his sparring sessions with the South African back in the day and was amazed at his ability to keep going despite unfavourable odds. It’s like that old saying about separating the contenders from the pretenders – except Du Plessis has already proven he belongs at the top.<\/p>

“He was so tough. I would spar with him and train with him and he didn’t want to quit…He is just a focused, driven dude. Steady. You gotta appreciate that,”<\/em><\/strong> said Rockhold via Submission Radio.<\/p>

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A post shared by Submission Radio (@submissionradio)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>

The South African champion’s journey has been anything but conventional. Before stepping into the UFC octagon, he was grinding it out in EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship), where he was the middleweight champion and KSW (Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki), building a reputation as a guy who simply wouldn’t quit. <\/p>

Dricus Du Plessis brings the same never-say-die attitude to every fight, whether he’s fresh or gasping for air. It is this mindset that carried him through five brutal rounds with Sean Strickland to claim the belt. Later, it helped him weather the storm against Adesanya, finally submitting the two time champion.<\/p>

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