Daniel Cormier TV - Dricus Du Plessis on TEACHING Khamzat Chimaev how to lose, disrespected as an underdog

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Title: Daniel Cormier TV - Dricus Du Plessis on TEACHING Khamzat Chimaev How to Lose, Disrespected as an Underdog
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description:
In this compelling episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Devin engages in an in-depth conversation with UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis. The discussion delves into Du Plessis's journey from being perceived as an underdog to establishing himself as a dominant force in the UFC. They explore his strategies, motivations, and the anticipation surrounding his upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev.

---

1. From Underdog to Champion

Timestamp [04:14]:
Du Plessis reflects on his rise in the UFC, emphasizing his hunger for greatness beyond the initial 30% increase in recognition that comes with becoming a champion.

Dricus Du Plessis: "Once I became champion, I just loved it. I just loved it. And I've been champion for many years outside of the UFC, and once I tasted that gold, I just got hungrier to be great."

Du Plessis discusses how securing the championship ignited a deeper passion and commitment to excellence, driving him to elevate his performances both in and out of the Octagon.

2. Analysis of the Sean Strickland Fights

Timestamp [05:09]:
Devin asks Du Plessis about his second fight with Sean Strickland, noting Strickland's apparent lack of adaptability.

Devin: "Were you surprised at how that fight played out?... he seemed like a shell of himself."
Du Plessis: "Strickland's a great fighter, but if you figure him out, you figure him out... I was in there with the man for 25 minutes."

Du Plessis elaborates on how he meticulously prepared and adjusted his strategy for the rematch, ensuring he could counter Strickland’s consistent game plan. He highlights the importance of understanding an opponent’s tendencies to secure victory.

3. Motivations Beyond Money

Timestamp [19:01]:
The conversation shifts to motivations, where Du Plessis emphasizes that his drive stems from passion, legacy, and representing his country, rather than monetary gain.

Du Plessis: "Passion, legacy and achievement. That's bigger than me... It's about bringing that victory home. Representing my country, my people, my team, my family."

He underscores that his actions and dedication in the UFC are fueled by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and honor his heritage, rather than financial incentives.

4. Preparing to Face Khamzat Chimaev

Timestamp [20:44]:
Du Plessis discusses the upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev, acknowledging Chimaev's strengths while expressing confidence in his own abilities.

Du Plessis: "He has the striking to put you down with one strike. He has enough power for that... but I 100% believe that I'm the best in the world at MMA."

He identifies Chimaev’s aggressiveness and grappling as key threats but remains steadfast in his preparation to counteract these elements. Du Plessis emphasizes his strategic approach to dismantle Chimaev’s game plan.

5. The Depth of the Middleweight Division

Timestamp [27:29]:
Du Plessis praises the current state of the UFC Middleweight division, highlighting its depth and the high caliber of fighters.

Du Plessis: "It's the deepest middleweight has ever been. ... like I said, it's a very exciting time to be."

He acknowledges the competitive landscape, noting that the division features multiple top-tier fighters, which not only elevates the level of competition but also enhances his own status as a champion.

6. Training, Strength, and Tactical Evolution

Timestamp [12:16]:
The dialogue shifts to physical training, where Du Plessis distinguishes between innate strength and trainable power.

Du Plessis: "I honestly believe that some guys have power and some guys have strength. And the one you cannot train. You cannot train strength. You have it or you don't."

He elaborates on his training regimen, focusing on enhancing his power and technical skills rather than solely relying on raw strength. This approach has been pivotal in his transformation into a formidable opponent in the octagon.

7. Personal Interests and Lifestyle

Timestamp [29:08]:
Beyond the octagon, Du Plessis shares insights into his personal life, particularly his passion for cars and interest in safaris.

Du Plessis: "I have a Mustang, a Roush Mustang. I have a '67 Eleanor on its way... And I have a Toyota Land Cruiser. A big truck."

This segment humanizes Du Plessis, showcasing his diverse interests and hobbies outside of fighting, which contribute to his well-rounded personality.

8. Commitment to Overcoming Challenges

Timestamp [21:55]:
Du Plessis emphasizes the importance of resilience and the ability to handle defeat, stating his mission to teach Chimaev how to lose.

Du Plessis: "You have to teach him how to lose... I've felt defeat in the professional era as well. And it sucks."

He conveys a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of fighting, highlighting that resilience and the capacity to overcome setbacks are crucial for sustained success in the UFC.

9. Legacy and Long-Term Vision

Timestamp [25:23]:
Du Plessis articulates his long-term vision, aiming to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest in MMA history.

Du Plessis: "I'm going there to do... I'm walking out as a champion... I will defeat this boogeyman, and I will prove once again why I'm the best in the world."

His focus is not only on immediate victories but also on building a legacy that will be remembered and respected within the sport.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Du Plessis on Championship Motivation [04:14]:
  "Once I became champion, I just loved it. I just loved it. And I've been champion for many years outside of the UFC, and once I tasted that gold, I just got hungrier to be great."

• Du Plessis on Fighting Strategy [06:08]:
  "We're in there with the man for 25 minutes... I knew what he was going to do. I knew how he fights."

• Du Plessis on Motivation [19:01]:
  "Passion, legacy and achievement. That's bigger than me... It's about bringing that victory home."

• Du Plessis on Khamzat Chimaev [21:15]:
  "He is an incredibly dangerous opponent... he only wins."

• Du Plessis on Middleweight Depth [27:29]:
  "It's the deepest middleweight has ever been. It's a very exciting time to be."

---

Conclusion:

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Dricus Du Plessis provides an insightful glimpse into his mindset as a UFC champion. From overcoming the underdog status to meticulously preparing for top-tier opponents like Khamzat Chimaev, Du Plessis demonstrates a blend of strategic intelligence, unwavering motivation, and a commitment to excellence. His reflections on the evolving middleweight division and personal interests add depth to his profile as not just an athlete, but a multifaceted individual striving to leave a lasting legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast.

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is hot out there this summer, right? But don't sweat it. We got tons of ways to save on your family's favorite personal care items to keep yourself feeling cool and smelling good. Now through September 9th, earn four times points when you shop for items from your favorite brands like Right Guard Raw Sugar, Dove Soft Soap and Olay. Then use your points for discounts on groceries or gas on future purchases. Offer end September 9th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Devin]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out. And at the biggest moments, it's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider. But Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Manny]

Why are TSA rules so confusing?

[Ryan Seacrest]

You got a hoodie on. Take it all.

[Manny]

I'm Manny.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm Noah, this is Devin and we're.

[Manny]

Best friends and journalists with a new podcast called no Such Thing where we get to the bottom of questions like that. Why are you screaming? I can't expect what to do now if the rule was the same, go off on me. I deserve it, you know.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Lock him up.

[Manny]

Listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No Such Thing.

[Jake Hofer]

I'm Jake Hofer and this is back 40, a limited series show on Wire to Hunt, part of Meat Eaters Podcast Network. Each episode I'll be asking eight whitetail hunting pros a focused, thought provoking question about hunting and land management. How do I hunt the best part of the farm with less than ideal access?

[Devin]

Should you? That's what the real question is. Should you stand without good access is not a good stand.

[Jake Hofer]

Listen to Back 40 on iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Unknown]

The volume.

[Devin]

As always, we working and today's episode is brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of UFC, they're in your corner with unlimited 5G data. That won't slow you down. Hey, listen, seriously, you gotta check his back. He'll steal the fight kit.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That's what I just told him.

[Devin]

It ain't like you don't pay him enough.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah.

[Devin]

You know what I'm saying? You pay enough.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Check that, man.

[Devin]

Yeah. Keep your shirt on. You don't get to do the interview with no shirt on, man.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You're looking good.

[Devin]

You would like to I, like, like, take your shirt off?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, sure. Take all the photos I can while.

[Devin]

I look at this.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I always take it. Like, I take the year's photos. Well, for the time being, until the next fight, I take all the photos that I possibly can in five weeks so I can. Look. I could just post him as to you changing pants, chasing outfits.

[Devin]

Hey, I gotta ask you something, man. I saw some the other day. It's crazy. I saw, like, a video of you. Like, they were, like, trying to make fun of you with that home. Have you seen that video?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Which one?

[Devin]

Like that Homer Simpson video.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, I saw that.

[Devin]

What is that? What is that?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And it's so funny that I actually. The Simpsons predicted it. That's amazing. Yeah, I mean, they predicted it.

[Devin]

Like, they predict everything, though.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

They did, and they predict me hitting Strickland with the head on the hip.

[Devin]

You hit him in his ass with your forehead?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah. And that'll teach him.

[Devin]

How did that happen? Guys, I'm with the middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, as he gets ready to finish championship another time, this time against Khamzat Chimaev. Dreckus, thank you for checking in with me again. Israel Adesanya. Sean Strickland. Sean Strickland. Every time, you're the underdog, but every time you're getting more and more dominant. What do you make of that? Where you always made the underdog?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, I think, you know, they say the 30% increase when you become a champion. For me, it was more than that. I think 130, maybe. Really, once I became champion, I just loved it. I just loved it. And I've been champion for many years outside of the ufc, and once I tasted that gold, I just got hungrier to be great. I love it. I love it to be at the top. And I think the second Strickland fight, for example, I knew Strickland wasn't going to change his game plan. He is. He loves his game plan, and it is effective, so. And he's been doing it for so long, there's no way he's going to change it. Without a Sonya, it was a bit different because you have a guy that can come in there, you know he's going to strike, and you have to be able to handle that, because you can't go into that fight saying, I have to take him down. What if you don't get him down? So I think. And then getting comfortable with fighting these names, getting comfortable with saying, listen, I can do the five rounds, especially going that five round.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Restricting the first time, and felt great, then that gives you the confidence of, go out there and throw, man. Do what you got to do. And every fight, I get more at home. And every fight, I get more comfortable in the ufc. I've had nine UFC fights now, but only about six fights in, I started really feeling at home. Five, six fights, I started feeling at home. So I started to get the performances that I would give in the gym. I'm starting to see glimpses of that in the Octagon.

[Devin]

When I gotta go back to that second Sean Strickland fight, were you surprised at how that fight played out? Because it looked like you almost put him, like, he literally turned into a shell of himself inside of the Octagon. Were you surprised? Being as how loud he is and how, like, forward he is and all of his thoughts, it seemed like you just, like he. Honestly, it seemed like he was a shell of himself. Like he had no answers for what you were doing. Like, he just. Even his coaches did you go back, you've watched the fight. Clearly the coaches were so frustrated because they were telling him what to do, but he seemed to have, like, no ability to kind of even get started. Were you surprised?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah. I mean, I have to be honest with you. Strickland's a great fighter, but if you figure him out, you figure him out. I think Strickland, what he does, it's worked for him. Obviously, he became a champion. He's beaten the best. And after the first fight, the problem with the second fight is it wasn't Strickland's off night. He did exactly what he did in the first fight. There was a year in between the first and the second fight, and once we've been in there, I just knew the adjustments. I mean, I was in there with the man for 25 minutes.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

We had to make the adjustments. I'm not going to walk through that jab the same way as I did in that first fight. And knowing that is how he fights, knowing that he. He prioritizes defense.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And that is what. What we saw in the second fight and his coaches said it to him, third round they went out and they said, you are doing the same things you did in the first fight and the fight is pulling away. And I think the first fight was closer though.

[Devin]

It was like, first fight was close. Second fight you lose this next round you're down 3, 0. So whereas the first fight you were doing the same thing, but they were like hard to judge rounds. This time he's clearly winning the rounds.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And then you also have to remember in the first fight, never been five rounds fighting a guy like Strickland who can go five rounds and you know that and a guy who likes to go forward. So you have that in your mind because can I, you know, in the gym I can go five rounds full speed, but in a fight. And I went in there and the first two rounds was almost no, maybe the nerves are fighting for your first world title, not figuring. I haven't figured him out yet. His jab is tricky. By the second fight, when I went in there, I knew what he was going to do. I knew how he fights. The only surprise you could have put in there was, was to shoot for a takedown. And that would have been great. But yeah, I mean that is, that is what it's about. I think it's constantly getting better and the sport, I mean, look at the pay per View events from one month to another. It's just so everybody's getting so good. You have to go with the sport the whole time.

[Devin]

So I was talking to Chael the other day and he tells his story about you wrestling with the South African Greco Roman team. Is that true? Did you come to the United States with that team to the Olympic Training Center?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No, I heard that. That is my.

[Devin]

It was drinkers. He was in the.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

With these guys in South Africa. But I didn't come to the Colorado Springs. I didn't go there. No, no, I didn't know.

[Devin]

But keep believing him.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah. And I mean that's, that's on you. That's on you.

[Devin]

Why won't you just like say something? Be like, no, not true. You just go in the comment and go, that's not true.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Because like, I mean, if I have to correct every media outlet that talks some.

[Devin]

I also said that you couldn't score takedowns.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, that's it.

[Devin]

So don't correct me anymore. I don't doubt you no more.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And the thing is, it's when sometimes people say things like that to get in to say, but I mean, I don't even Know where it comes from? It's not even remotely.

[Devin]

Do you remember the first time you said, watch my takedowns this weekend, and they were better. And then the next fight, it was better. Like, you just kept getting better because you remember I was making fun of you because you tripped the underhook side.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, but I got the trip.

[Devin]

You did. I know. Still.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, but I mean, I got the trip.

[Devin]

You gotta do Drake. It's like. But now you do it the right way.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And why would anybody defend it? Because. Why would anybody do it?

[Devin]

Because. No. Oh, so you're just smarter than. Oh, okay. So you do it wrong. Because they don't expect it.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You know how to defend the ARU side trip?

[Devin]

I do.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Okay. But I do defend the underside one.

[Devin]

So it's just a matter of who falls.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yes.

[Devin]

A certain way.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That is it.

[Devin]

There you go. Okay.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And if he does it before we get back up.

[Devin]

Oh, that makes sense. But see, but now you're actually tripping the overhook side.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Maybe.

[Devin]

I saw you.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I don't know. I can do both sides.

[Devin]

Maybe mix it up now. Weapons. So you are now putting together, man, hats off to you. Because so many people. Right? Like that, that video. Right. Oh, well, is he good? Is he not good? No, he's very real. He's very fucking good. Like, acknowledge that you're putting together a great title reign now. Right. This could be your third defense. How gratifying and satisfying is it to just really prove people wrong and show that my style, my style works for me and it works at the highest level. It might not look like Alex or it might not look like Izzy, but it works for me. Like, how good does that feel to constantly be proven people wrong and finally feel like now people are coming around? Dricus, it's not what it used to be. People are like, yeah, well, DDP's really, really good, man.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I said this in the beginning, you know, after the Robert Whitaker fight, because there's only one way to know how good you are, and that's going after the best.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And beating them. So after that fight, I went and I said, yeah, people are critiquing my style so hard that when they should be taking notes because otherwise they're going to play catch up for a very long time.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

The longer they wait, the longer it's going to take. And I think that's what's happening now is people are starting to acknowledge that. Listen, it looks weird because it's not the norm. It's not what we know. Any change is Weird for people. People don't understand when it's something, they don't like it. And it's not about proving people wrong. That gives me no satisfaction. It's about proving my style, my work and my team, my coach, the stuff that we've been believing in for the last 13 years to prove that right, to prove the people that believe in me. And that's put in so much effort to get me to where I am. Hearing all those comments from guys like you, from guys at the top that's been at the top saying, this is the wrong way. You can't fight like that. It's not good. And then going out there and. And. And keeping that belief, keeping that belief because now you want to change it. And a lot of people try to change it, and that's the wrong mindset.

[Devin]

But you didn't change, right?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You changed.

[Devin]

You changed our way of thinking.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Absolutely right. You've made to believe in what you do.

[Devin]

You've actually made everybody think, wait, maybe he is doing something different. And that's. I've gained an appreciation for your style now because of that, right? Like watching you compete. And also I'm like, this dude has to be unbelievably strong. Like. Like. How much do you bench press?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

To be honest with you, deadlift doesn't make you strong.

[Devin]

Deadlift?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No, this is.

[Devin]

Can you do pull ups?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, I do pull ups.

[Devin]

How many pull ups can you do?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I don't know. Probably like 20.

[Devin]

Dude, I did pull ups the other day and I was doing like, I did like five. Then I started doing impressive, but I started doing jumping pull ups where I'm just jumping and slowly. I could not lift my arm for two days. My shoulders were stuck down. I could not get my arms past my shoulders for two days.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

When you do pull ups, especially those.

[Devin]

Wide grips, One wide grip is the lat. It's like the lat.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

It goes tight. It goes tight. Especially when you're wrestling a lot. That is true. But I honestly believe that some guys have power and some guys have strength. And the one you cannot train. You cannot train strength. You have it or you don't. And power you can train for.

[Devin]

You must have strength, because when you grab these guys, they seem almost like lost in it a little bit.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

In South Africa, we call it boudicrach.

[Devin]

What is that?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That is Afrikaans word for why I'm strong. Yes.

[Devin]

Did I say it right?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, that. Is it.

[Devin]

Afrikaans. I got my guy for cons on point. All right.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is hot out there this summer, right? But don't sweat it. We got tons of ways to save on your family's favorite personal care items to keep yourself feeling cool and smelling good. Now through September 9th, earn four times points when you shop for items from your favorite brands like Right Guard raw Sugar, Dove Soft Soap, and Olay. Then use your points for discounts on groceries or gas on future purchases. Offer end September 9th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Manny]

A foot washed up, A shoe with.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Some bones in it.

[Manny]

They had no idea who it was.

[Jake Hofer]

Most everything was burned up pretty good from the fire that not a whole lot was salvageable.

[Ryan Seacrest]

These are the coldest of cold cases. But everything is about to change. Every case that is a cold case.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That has DNA right now in a.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Backlog will be identified in our lifetime. A small lab in Texas is cracking the code on DNA using new scientific tools. They're finding clues in evidence so tiny you might just miss it.

[Devin]

He never thought he was going to get caught. And I just looked at my computer screen, I was just like, ah, gotcha.

[Ryan Seacrest]

On America's Crime Lab, we'll learn about victims and survivors, and you'll meet the team behind the scenes at othram, the Houston lab that takes on the most hopeless cases to finally solve the unsolvable. Listen to America's Crime Lab on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Manny]

Imagine that you're on an airplane and all of a sudden you hear this.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Attention passengers.

[Devin]

The pilot is having an emergency and we need someone, anyone, to land this plane.

[Manny]

Think you could do it? It turns out that nearly 50% of men think that they could land the plane with the help of Air tr And they're saying like, okay, pull this until this, pull that, turn this. It's just I can do my eyes closed. I'm Manny.

[Devin]

I'm Noah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

This is Devin.

[Manny]

And on our new show, no Such Thing, we get to the bottom of questions like these. Join us as we talk to the leading expert on overconfidence.

[Devin]

Those who lack expertise lack the expertise. They need to recognize that they lack expertise.

[Manny]

And then as we try the whole thing out for real. Wait, what? Oh, that's the Runway. I'm looking at this thing.

[Ryan Seacrest]

See?

[Manny]

Listen to no such thing thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

Hey, guys, it's AZ Fudd. You may know me as a gold medalist. You may know me as an NCAA National Champion and recent Most Outstanding player. You may even know me as a people's princess. But now you're also gonna know me as your favorite host. Every week on my new podcast, Fut around and Find Out, I'll give you an inside look at everything happening in my crazy life as I try to balance it all from my travels across the globe to preparing for another run at the Natty with my Huskies, to just trying to make it to my midterms on time. You'll get the inside scoop on everything. I'll be talking to some special guests about pop culture basketball and what it's like to be a professional athlete on and off the court. You'll even get to have some fun with the Fudd family. So if you follow me on social media or watch me on tv, you may think you know me, but this show is the only place where you can really futt around and find out. Listen to FUT around and find out. A production of iHeart Women's Sports in partnership with Unanimous Media on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Devin]

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[Unknown]

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[Devin]

Hamza Chimayev, right? He's the boogeyman. We have conversations about why he's the boogeyman. Most people, since we were children, we have been told the boogeyman comes at night and he's scary. You want to avoid the boogeyman. You don't want to deal with him. You, you put your head under the COVID If the boogeyman's in the room with you as a little boy, you're calling them out while everybody else is putting their hands under the covers. You, as the champion, walk to the post fight prep conference and say, chimaev's next. Why?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I have to be honest with you, every since the day I started the sport, I wanted greatness. That was what I. That's what I was chasing. I never chased money. I never chased fame. I never. If this wasn't, if this sport was not paying, I would be struggling to get by, to be honest with you.

[Devin]

Let me ask you this, champ. I love that. That point, right? He said the belt doesn't matter to him, though. It's about the money. Can you guys have different motivations and still fight at the same rate, Right? Like at the same level? Because if you're doing it for that love and he's literally telling me that he's not doing. He wants the money. The. You know, like, can you fight at the same level when there's such a difference in the approach?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You can, but you can't fight me with that as your motivation. You will be paying all that money to get out of there. If you're in there with me for five rounds, if the money is your motivation, that motivation monkey will drive away very quickly. Money. There's no amount of money that's going to keep you in that fight. When I'm in there willing to give my life to win, money can't buy that.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And there's only one thing. It has to be bigger than you. Money is not bigger than me. Passion, legacy and achievement. That's bigger than me wearing my country's flag and being making history for my country. Bringing that belt back home. It's not about the belt. It's about bringing that victory home. Representing my country, my people, my team, my family, my crest. My kids one day are going to look at that. That is worth more than any amount of money. And that's what I fight for when I go out there, to be remembered forever.

[Devin]

When you Guys, break down Chimaev. What makes him so dangerous? I mean, it's the start, right? It's a takedown. It's the aggressiveness, it's the grappling. Is there anything that I'm missing? Because I don't look at him as an opponent. Right. I've never had to. But when you as his opponent, watch him and your coaches, outside of the fast start, the quick takedown, the avalanche coming downhill, what is there to Hamza Chimaev that makes him so dangerous? Or do you even view him as dangerous?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Absolutely. I think he's an incredibly dangerous opponent. I think he has the striking to put you down with one strike. He has enough power for that. He has the wrestling to fall back on. If the strike can go south on the ground, he can do it all. He's an all around fighter with that. He's never lost. So he has grown used to winning. And I think his whole mindset, it works around confidence in training, within his team. This man does not lose in training. I don't think he does. I've only heard he doesn't. And that makes him dangerous because in his mind, he only wins.

[Devin]

You have to teach him how to lose.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You have to teach him how to lose. And that's why I'm here, because I know what it's like to lose in training every single day. I have felt defeat in, in the professional era as well. And it sucks. Giving up when you know what it feels like to lose is a lot harder than giving up. If you don't know, maybe it's not that bad. But Hamza is dangerous because he goes out there and he believes that he can do what he wants to. He is that guy in the schoolyard who does whatever he wants to and he doesn't get into trouble. Well, I'm the other guy who just got into the school and you're not gonna get your way with me. And that is why this is such a great fight. You have two bullies who are going out there to see who's the man on the block.

[Devin]

Yeah. So you saw, you walked into the school as the new kid and go, oh, okay, I see the Alpha.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Absolutely.

[Devin]

I want to go and take my place.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That is it. There can be only one Alpha and that's me.

[Devin]

So how do you teach him that this weekend? Like, what do you have to do early, right? Because a lot of people believe that it's early. Hamzat late.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Drus, how funny is the From Tricus has no gas. He needs to finish this fight. In the first, you know, that was another thing.

[Devin]

You were mad. You were mad at me for a couple things before you were doing this.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Even mad, were you laughing?

[Devin]

You're like, really?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Still like that? I just keep on going. Yeah, you do still get that.

[Devin]

I was like, wow, his mouth is wide open. He looks exhausted. You're like, I was never tired.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, well, I was tired, but just not everybody's tired. Everybody's tired, but I wasn't dying. There were a few fights. I mean, I would talk about that Terry Brunson fight right after that. I was. I was tired. I was dead. But I mean, the pace was also ridiculous.

[Devin]

Hey, what about whenever you hit Derek Brunson? He was just laying on the ground with his hands like.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Like, I'm like, block your face, dude.

[Devin]

He was laying there with his hands.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And funny enough, Derek Brunson, you know that first round, he's going to come.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Full speed. And he's done that to so many guys, and I just knew it. And I was like, okay, let's do it that way. But second round, we're still going to be there. Third round, too. And with this fight is very similar in that way. I think a mistake people make is they go into a defensive mindset when they fight Hamza. Don't get taken down. Yeah, don't get taken down. And if he comes, move away from him, try and run away and not get taken down. You cannot let that happen, because in his mind, he already knows you don't want to wrestle with him. In his mind, he already knows he's gonna get you eventually. That gate is locked. Yeah, you have to go out there and so what if you get taken down? Get back up. That is. That is. It's part of the game. But you cannot go out there and defend. That's not how you win a fight. You go out there and you attack.

[Devin]

Yeah. So, champ, what does this weekend look like for you? Sold out Arena Chicago, Illinois. Another title defense. You win this, you're starting to get into the conversation with some of the greatest middleweights of all time. Like, what does Saturday night look like for you, man?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I'm walking out to United Center. You know, like they say, the home Michael Jordan built championships are one here. That is. That is it. I mean, the history in there. I saw that statue where it said the greatest there ever was, the greatest there will ever be. That's what I want and that's what I'm going to do. That's what I'm going there to do on Saturday night. I'm walking out there as a champion. I'm walking in there, There is no champion. And I'm walking out with my belt. And I'm going to defeat this boogeyman, and I will prove once again why I'm the best in the world.

[Devin]

He respects you. It feels like he respects you for asking to fight him. But like you said, I don't know that he expects anything much different than what he got from Robert Whitaker and all those guys. But he got tough from Kamaru Usman, he got tough from Gilbert Burns. He's got tough before in bit through him. But I just don't know that he expects hard on Saturday night.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, absolutely. And like I said, I mean, you cannot take anything away from Khamzat. All the hype he is. He deserves all that hype. He is as good as people think, 100%. But at the end of the day, at this level, everybody's good.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And you need something more. And that's something more is what I have. It is not about skill. It's not about who wrestles the best, who strikes the best. It's about who goes out there. If me and Izzy, we strike, he is much better on paper, it says he should 100. And not even on paper, if you just look at it, he is so much more clean. He's a cleaner striker.

[Devin]

He.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

He's more, you know, he has. His combos work perfectly. He looks pretty while he does it. I'm not here to win that competition, but even though when we were striking, I was. I was catching him. Yeah, I was. When me and Strickland, he's the boxing guy, and I was out boxing him because it's not a boxing fight. This is mma. The distance is different. Everything is different. There's too many variables to go, this guy is too good at this. It's about being the best in MMA. And I 100% believe that I'm the best in the world at MMA. And, you know, Khamzat, he is great. And that's why this fight is so big, because people know this is truly the two best in the world that are going at it.

[Devin]

Yeah. Your weight class is as fun as it's been in a long time. What do you make of guys like Fluffy Hernandez and Imavoff and Bohol and all the rest? Like, what do you make of having. Because honestly, you get through most people, or a lot of people think, well, if he gets through Chimaev, who's the most dangerous one they have? It'll be a long Time before someone gets the belt off of Drakers. But then when you look back, you go, well, we still got a lot of really high level mixed martial artists. I believe this is the deepest middleweight has ever been. Does that excite you as the champion?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, the first time in years that the middleweight with three weeks ago, I've been through the whole top five of the division. I've beaten everybody in the top five now.

[Devin]

I don't think any of them.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, three guys. Three new guys. I mean, you have the Ritter there, you have the Ritter there, you have Baralo there, you have Fluffy, who, in my opinion, deserves a top five spot. I think he beats most of the top five right now.

[Devin]

The way his pace, the way he.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Fights and the way he fights, he. He made it look easier. I mean, and then you have Imamov, who is there after beating Izzy, so he got that spot. But then you have Baralo and him fighting, and yeah, it's. It's exciting. Like I said, it's a very exciting time to be.

[Devin]

That's the one. That's. Who's next, you think the winner of Bahaulli, you and Imava?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I think it depends on who wins, to be honest.

[Devin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Baraudio, he's on a long win streak.

[Devin]

Yeah.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

But his ranking is not where Imamov's ranking is. I don't know. I have no idea what they want to do. But right now I don't think there's really anybody putting their hand up as I'm the next contender. But there's a lot of room for a contender to arise with the names that we have there.

[Devin]

UFC just sold seven. UFC just sold media, right? $7 billion. I wish I was you right now. Dr's about to get paid.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Well, I mean, the other thing is that I guess it's great. I guess it's great. It's amazing.

[Devin]

You just want to get money.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah. Well, we'll see, we'll see, we'll see about that. Let's just get this title.

[Devin]

Get the title done.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I mean, the money, it will come.

[Devin]

And like you said. Right. It's not necessarily about it, but it is nice to have.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

It's great to have.

[Devin]

Hey, what kind of car you got?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I got a few. I like cars.

[Devin]

Tell me, tell me.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I have a Mustang, a Roush Mustang. I have a 67 Eleanor on its way.

[Devin]

Oh.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Which I love.

[Devin]

Is it already finished or do you have to read?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No, it's. It's. We are building it.

[Devin]

You're gonna build it, huh?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, it's It's. It's basically finished. We are 90 done with it.

[Devin]

Okay.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And of course. And I have a G63G wagon. I have.

[Devin]

Now we're getting into the championship right here.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

What else? And that's the cost for now. That's the question. Oh, and of course I have a Toyota Land Cruiser. A big truck. Yes.

[Devin]

Drive those into the safaris.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That is it.

[Devin]

I want to go to a safari. They were saying they were gonna do a show in Africa and I wanted to go, but they said it like stinks really bad. One of my friends went, said it stinks really bad.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

As close you can get to nature as possible. It does not stink in a spot.

[Devin]

He said.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

He said he was probably in a zoo.

[Devin]

No, he was not in a zoo. Drinkers. He was on a safari. And he said when you're in the brush, you drive. Boom. Dead elephant stinks.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Oh, yeah, of course a dead elephant's gonna stink.

[Devin]

But he said dead elephant dead. What is that one? The. The deer looking one. Antelope.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You're looking one. We have like dead antelope, like everything.

[Devin]

He said that he actually watched a hunt from start to finish.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah. I mean, you have to. If you ever there, you have to come watch it. That is incredible.

[Devin]

You've seen it before too?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yes.

[Devin]

Is it awesome?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

It is amazing.

[Devin]

They rip out the stomach.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, they rip out everything. It's. It's kind of more gruesome than you would think to see something because they don't kill it right away. Like they'll just grab it. They'll just grab it by the leg and it's so much bigger and just start eating it from behind.

[Devin]

Oh, but you're talking about the big ones. The big black ones with. What is it? Water buffalo?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No, even a little small one. The lion doesn't care where it gets it. It's just.

[Devin]

I'm talking about like, if they get an antelope, it's dead right away. Hit him on the neck, put him to the ground.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Oh, yeah, it's. It's a bit. It's quicker. It's quicker. But they. Lions attack anything. Yeah, yeah. It's. It's kind of crazy to see, but it is. It isn't. It is beautiful.

[Devin]

They had a kid named to Melo on my ultimate fighter team.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yes. I know him very well. He's an incredible fighter.

[Devin]

Yeah, really nice kid.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

And he's a brilliant fighter too.

[Devin]

He showed me some videos. They're huge. The lions are. The lions are humongous.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Yeah, I think. And the Other people always say, how would you approach fighting a lion? I would just go. Like, just say your prayer.

[Devin]

Say a prayer and go to die.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Never shot.

[Devin]

They're so strong.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No.

[Devin]

I love nature.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You are done.

[Devin]

This is why I want to go to Africa. I have to experience something like this once in my life.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Well, I mean, I'm glad that you want to go for this fire. I just want an event in my home country.

[Devin]

It'll happen.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

It has to happen.

[Devin]

It'll happen. And when it does, I'll. I'll get to go on a safari. You go. Would you go with me?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

Absolutely.

[Devin]

Really?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I'll show you around. I'll show you the best time.

[Devin]

Will you pay for it?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No.

[Devin]

Come on, Drake, is you the champ?

[Dricus Du Plessis]

You've been paid in dollars your whole life. Look at this guy.

[Devin]

I was just trying to see if I can get a free safari out of this dude.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

He's like, this guy just said he doesn't worry about money. He's paying.

[Devin]

The champs actually don't want to spend their money on good old dc. That's unfortunate because I'm actually trying to put more money in your pocket.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

I really appreciate it.

[Devin]

Watch how I do this. Watch. Watch how I try to get more money. Guys, the champ Drake is dupless. C fights this weekend. ESPN pay per view. Go hit the buy button line his pocket so then he can take me on a safari deal.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

That's a deal.

[Devin]

Okay, Sounds like Go and buy the pay per view. Watch. Drake is definite championship against Khamzat Chimaev. It's one of the greatest middleweight fights of all time. Make sure you go tap into everything that he's doing. Socials follow Dricus du Plessis. He's a very interesting guy. Until next time, guys like subscribe and tell your friends to tell their friends that DC's got a YouTube channel and I'm hanging out with guys like Dricus du Plessis. Champ, thanks for checking in. I appreciate you. Until next time, guys. Peace.

[Unknown]

The volume.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Devin]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless Store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G cable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Manny]

Why are TSA rules so confusing?

[Ryan Seacrest]

You got a hoodie on? Take it all.

[Manny]

I'm Manny.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm Noah, this is Devin and we're.

[Manny]

Best friends and journalists with a new podcast called no Such Thing where we get to the bottom of questions like that. Why are you screaming at me? I can't expect what to do now if the rule was the same, go off on me, I deserve it, you know?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Lock him up.

[Manny]

Listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dricus Du Plessis]

No Such Thing.

[Jake Hofer]

I'm Jake Hofer and this is back 40, a limited series show on Wire to Hunt, part of Meat Eaters Podcast Network. Each episode I'll be asking eight whitetail hunting pros a focused, thought provoking question about hunting and land management. How do I hunt the best part of the farm with less than ideal access?

[Devin]

Should you? That's what the real question is. Stand without good access is not a good stand.

[Jake Hofer]

Listen to Back 40 on iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast.