At just 30 years old, Dricus du Plessis has ascended to remarkable heights in the UFC, establishing himself as the middleweight champion and a force to be reckoned with in the sport. A native of South Africa, du Plessis has earned his accolades through sheer tenacity and skill, exemplified by his split decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January. This victory marked just one of his significant achievements, catapulting him into the spotlight and solidifying his dominance in the octagon.
Having secured notable stoppage victories over fierce competitors like Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Robert Whittaker, du Plessis demonstrated his versatility and readiness to face any challenge. In August, he underscored his prowess by submitting Israel Adesanya in the fourth round with a face crank at UFC 305, a fight that cemented his legacy in the division. Currently, du Plessis boasts five straight wins in the UFC, with six stoppage victories out of his eight fights, underscoring his ability to finish fights decisively. His consistent performance has earned him a fifth-place ranking in the men's pound-for-pound standings, speaking volumes about his talent and dedication to the sport.
While du Plessis has been conquering the middleweight division, other fighters have also been making headlines across various weight classes. Islam Makhachev, with an impressive 26-1 record in the lightweight division, recently added another victory to his name by defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. His dominance in the division continues to draw attention and establish him as a formidable contender. Similarly, Jon Jones, despite suffering a pectoral tear in training, remains a significant figure in the heavyweight division. With a 27-1 record and one no contest, Jones was set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic last November. The bout was postponed due to his injury, leaving fans eager to see his return to the octagon.
The light heavyweight division also saw some action, with Alex Pereira making waves. Pereira, holding an 11-2 record, headlined UFC 300 in April, where he defeated Jamahal Hill. He continued his winning streak by knocking out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 in July. Pereira's victories have not only elevated his status but also added excitement to the light heavyweight division.
Meanwhile, the featherweight division has a new star in Ilia Topuria. Undefeated with a 15-0 record, Topuria made a significant impact by finishing Alexander Volkanovski within the first two rounds at UFC 298 in February. He is now scheduled to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October. Holloway, with a 26-7 record and currently on a three-fight win streak, poses a significant challenge for Topuria. Holloway, at 32 years old, brings experience and resilience to the fight, promising an exciting matchup.
In the welterweight division, Belal Muhammad is on an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak, boasting a 24-4 record with one no contest. His consistency and perseverance have made him a notable contender in the division. The bantamweight division, too, witnesses strong performances, with Sean O'Malley holding the title and a record of 17-1 with one no contest. O'Malley's victory over Marlon Vera at UFC 299 was a testament to his skill and determination.
The flyweight division is currently dominated by Alexandre Pantoja, who holds the title with a 28-5 record. Alexa Grasso, another flyweight champion with a 16-3-1 record, recently faced Valentina Shevchenko. Their title rematch at Noche UFC ended in a split draw, leaving the rivalry unresolved. Shevchenko, with a 23-4-1 record, remains a prominent figure in the division, maintaining her status as one of the top fighters.
Zhang Weili, holding the strawweight title with a 25-3 record, continues to be a pivotal force in her division. Tatiana Suarez, undefeated with a 10-0 record, showcased her submission skills by defeating Jessica Andrade in August. Manon Fiorot also made a statement with her 12-1 record, defeating Erin Blanchfield by a shutout decision.
As the UFC continues to evolve, these fighters' achievements and rivalries highlight the dynamic and competitive nature of the sport. With champions like Dricus du Plessis leading the way and new contenders constantly emerging, the future promises even more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments in the octagon.