UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis admitted that he likes the fighting style of Justin Gaethje. The brief statement suggests du Plessis appreciates Gaethje's approach inside the octagon. No additional context was provided about whether this was part of a larger interview or what prompted the comment. The post implies this was an expected opinion based on the similarity of their aggressive fighting styles.
UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has gone on record saying he is a fan of Justin Gaethje's fighting style, offering a brief but telling nod of respect toward the lightweight titleholder.
Du Plessis, 32, holds the middleweight championship and sits at number two in the divisional rankings and seventh on the pound-for-pound list. The South African out of Team CIT carries a 23-3-0 record and is known for relentless forward pressure, landing 5.18 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate. He also adds a wrestling dimension, averaging 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, which makes him a complete and difficult puzzle for any opponent.
Gaethje, 37, is the reigning lightweight champion and brings an equally aggressive profile to the octagon. Fighting out of Genesis Training Center, the American owns a 28-5-0 record and leads with volume and power, posting 6.48 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy. His game is almost entirely built around stand-up warfare, with virtually no submission attempts and minimal reliance on the takedown.
Why it matters
- Both fighters operate with high-pressure, forward-moving styles that prioritize damage over tactical conservatism, making du Plessis's admiration easy to understand.
- The comment highlights a mutual appreciation between champions from different weight classes who share a philosophy of action-first fighting.
- While the two compete in separate divisions and a matchup would require a significant jump in weight, the acknowledgment keeps Gaethje's name circulating in conversations beyond the lightweight division.
