Ex-UFC champion outlines "superpower" that propels Dricus du Plessis' octagon success: "He's literally willing to die out there" 

Dricus du Plessis may lack the precision and flair of some of his counterparts in the UFC middleweight division. However, he has managed to compensate for it with his unyielding drive and solid grappling skills.

The South African made the first defense of his middleweight title with a fourth-round submission win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. 'The Last Stylebender' was beginning to get in his groove and getting the better of the striking exchanges before du Plessis clawed his way back to a hard-fought victory.

'Stillknocks' secured the title shot against Sean Strickland with a second-round TKO victory over former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. Having squared off against du Plessis inside the octagon, Whittaker has first-hand experience of the key factor that fuels the South African's championship success. Speaking in an interview with Main Event, he said:

“I think he’s got a really solid headspace and mentality for winning fights. I think that’s his superpower because he’s an awkward dude, he obviously hits really hard, and he’s tough as nails. But I think all of that stems from his relentlessness mentally. He’s literally willing to die out there, and I think if you don’t match that mentality if you don’t come into the octagon with the same headspace, you’re not going to take it from him.”

Catch Robert Whittaker's comments below (2:00):

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Chael Sonnen casts doubt on potential Dricus du Plessis vs. Alex Pereira matchup

Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira called out Dricus du Plessis following the South African's submission win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

Pereira, who has previously captured and lost the middleweight championship, hinted at a return to the division to test himself against du Plessis. 'Stillknocks' dismissed the idea of the matchup, asserting that he would rather move up to challenge the Brazilian for the 205-pound throne.

However, Chael Sonnen has poured cold water on the idea on his YouTube channel, claiming:

"Du Plessis could've handled it by going, 'Oh no you're telling me the 36-year-old [37-year-old Pereira] that left the very division that I'm the champion of... He left after they woke him up because he'd been knocked out by a guy [Adesanya] I just tapped out is going to come back and he's going to come after me [acts scared]."

He added:

"It would’ve been a much bigger game of chicken, but it never happened because du Plessis, guys can’t control themselves. The du Plessis vs. Alex Pereira fight will never happen. Alex at 185 pounds will never happen against anybody. Guys can’t control themselves because they get too lost the reality."

Catch Chael Sonnen's comments below (4:00):