UFC 305 mailbag: Dricus du Plessis as Schrödinger’s MMA fighter, plus more from a busy night in Perth

UFC 305 has concluded, and the reigning champion is still Dricus du Plessis.

In typical DDP fashion, the champion defended his title with a fourth-round submission victory, causing frustration among fans who question how a fighter with apparent flaws can be considered the best in the world. Love him or hate him, du Plessis reigns supreme in the 185-pound division, with three consecutive wins over former UFC champions. Let’s discuss the aftermath of UFC 305.

Dricus du Plessis

“DDP: The best worst fighter ever or the worst best fighter ever?”

In the famous words of Old El Paso: ¿Por qué no los dos?

As a strong supporter of DDP over the years, the recent victory was satisfying not just because he won, but because he stayed true to his unique style. Despite criticisms from knowledgeable individuals, du Plessis continues to defy expectations and secure victories in his unconventional manner. His unorthodox approach to fighting, though unpolished, has proven to be effective.

With a record of 8-0 in the UFC, including wins over top middleweights and former champions, du Plessis’ success is undeniable. While his fighting style may not be textbook, it gets the job done. Skill is important in fighting, but it’s not the only factor determining success. Du Plessis’ combination of intelligence, durability, and strategic planning sets him apart in the octagon.

Despite his flaws, du Plessis has not been exploited by his opponents in the UFC. While there may be future challengers, it’s difficult to bet against him at this point.

Future challengers

“Which middleweight currently represents the biggest challenger to DDP?”

The next potential challenger for du Plessis appears to be Sean Strickland, given their close first fight. However, if anyone can dethrone du Plessis, it might be Khamzat Chimaev, who poses a unique physical challenge. While du Plessis has been dominant, there are contenders who could potentially exploit his weaknesses in the future.

All-Stars

“Who joins DDP on the “MMA Style that Probably Should Not Work but it Does Work” All-Star Team?”

Justin Gaethje, Brian Ortega, and Jiri Prochazka are mentioned as fighters with unorthodox styles that defy expectations. Each of them brings a unique approach to the octagon that may seem flawed but ultimately proves effective in securing wins.

MMA nirvana

“By the gods Jed how do we make Dricus vs Jiri happen, I need to see that fight more than any other besides Topuria-Holloway. It would be the most chaotic evil stupid fun fight since Dada-Kimbo except with actual fighting skill.”

Fans are eager to witness a potential matchup between Dricus du Plessis and Jiri Prochazka, as it promises to be an exciting and unpredictable fight. The anticipation for this bout is high, and many are hoping to see it materialize in the near future.

Alex Pereira

“Will Poatan actually make 185 again?”

It is unlikely that Alex Pereira will compete at 185 pounds again, with a potential fight against Dricus du Plessis likely to take place at light heavyweight. Pereira’s weight cut may affect his performance, but the matchup with du Plessis remains intriguing for fans.

Israel Adesanya

“Does this actually free Izzy up to make a REAL 205 move? Like, fight a top contender to establish legitimacy like Alex did…. I’m thinking Izzy Jiri b/c who TF wouldn’t immediately pay all the moneys to see that?”

While it was speculated that Israel Adesanya might make a permanent move to light heavyweight, he has expressed reluctance to do so in a recent press conference. However, a potential fight against Jiri Prochazka remains a possibility, depending on various factors and upcoming matchups in the division.

Kai Kara-France

“KKF-Pantoja: is it happening next and who wins?”

After a convincing win at UFC 305, Kai Kara-France has positioned himself as a potential challenger for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Given the current landscape of the division, Kara-France may likely receive a title shot in the near future.

Controversy

“Thoughts on the commission sending Howie Booth home after that horrible 30-27 scorecard he turned in for Tai? Do you think this is something we could start seeing more often?”

Following a highly controversial scorecard at UFC 305, judge Howie Booth was rightfully removed from the event due to his egregious error in scoring. The incident raises questions about the competency and integrity of judges in MMA, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in the scoring process.

The decision to remove Booth from the event was necessary to maintain the credibility of the sport and ensure fair outcomes for fighters. Moving forward, such actions by commissions may become more common to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Whether due to incompetence or malice, errors in judging cannot be tolerated in MMA, and steps must be taken to uphold the integrity of the sport.

In conclusion, it is essential for the MMA community to address issues of judging accuracy and accountability to maintain the sport’s credibility and fairness.