The UFC has always been a place where legends are born, maybe even overnight. Sometimes, multiple future champions share the same stage before anyone realizes their true potential. Back in October 2020, UFC Fight Island became one of those special nights that fight fans would remember for years to come. Three relatively unknown fighters stepped into the octagon that evening, each carrying dreams of championship gold. Little did anyone know that all three would eventually become UFC champions.<\/p>
That memorable Fight Island card featured debut performances and early career fights for three men who would later dominate their respective divisions. Dricus du Plessis made his UFC debut, Tom Aspinall fought for just the second time in the promotion, and Ilia Topuria also made his first appearance. Fast forward to 2025, and all three fighters have reached the pinnacle of MMA<\/a>. Du Plessis now holds the middleweight title, Aspinall has become the undisputed heavyweight champion, and Topuria has made history by capturing titles in two different weight classes.<\/p> The South African champion has nothing but praise for both of his fellow titleholders. When discussing Tom Aspinall, Du Plessis didn’t hold back his admiration. He sees the British heavyweight as something special in a division that has traditionally been dominated by slower fighters. According to du Plessis, Aspinall moves like a middleweight despite his heavyweight frame, combining speed with technical skill in ways that few heavyweights have managed before.<\/p> “The first time you saw Tom Aspinall fight, you knew there was something special. He’s almost the next generation of heavyweight, in my opinion, where he moves like a middleweight. He’s light on his feet. He can grapple, he can strike, he can wrestle, so I’m really happy for him. I think he’s going to be a great champion. I don’t think there’s a lot of heavyweights on his level right now,”<\/em><\/strong> Du Plessis told Betway South Africa.<\/p>Dricus Du Plessis Sees Greatness In Tom Aspinall And Ilia Topuria<\/h2>