The 'Dricus du Plessis curse' sparks online frenzy as fan unearths new UFC jinx after multiple fighter setbacks feat. Israel Adesanya

Fans have spotted a curious trend they’re calling the “Dricus du Plessis Curse,” sparking a viral debate across social media. According to the theory, fighters who publicly criticize or downplay the South African UFC star tend to lose their subsequent matches.

A now-popular video circulating online highlights examples like Brendan Allen and Israel Adesanya, who both made dismissive remarks about Du Plessis before suffering defeats in their following bouts. Adesanya notably lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland, while Allen was defeated by Nassourdine Imavov.

This so-called curse has drawn comparisons to the infamous “Drake Curse,” where the rapper’s public support or bets on fighters often coincided with their losses.

While Drake’s jinx has a long history, including high-profile losses like Adesanya’s UFC 281 defeat to Alex Pereira and Aljamain Sterling’s loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292, the “Dricus Curse” is gaining traction for its eerily specific impact on opponents.

Fans have taken to social media to debate the legitimacy of the trend. One user joked:

“The dricus curse may be real”

While another quipped:

“Delete this man”

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to the new jinx involving Dricus du Plessis. [Screenshot courtesy: X]

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Dricus du Plessis to defend middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312

UFC 312 is set to light up Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 8, with middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis defending his title against Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated rematch. Nearly 13 months after their first clash, both fighters are eager to settle unfinished business in a matchup that promises fireworks.

Du Plessis enters the octagon on a nine-fight win streak since joining the UFC, solidifying his dominance with victories over three former champions and six finishes.

Strickland, known for his relentless pressure, is chasing redemption in his third career title fight. After a split-decision victory against Paulo Costa at UFC 302, Strickland remains a top contender and a serious threat to reclaim the middleweight belt.

The co-main event features two-time strawweight champion Zhang Weili defending her title against undefeated contender Tatiana Suarez. Weili aims to continue her dominance, while Suarez seeks to extend her perfect record in what will be the biggest test of her career.