In the world of MMA, where every fighter is looking for their moment in the spotlight, few have been as consistently dominant as Dricus Du Plessis. Yet, despite his impressive streak of victories, the South African middleweight fighter finds himself frustratingly overlooked by fans, analysts, and even some of his peers. The latest twist in Du Plessis’ journey to the top has come in the form of a surprising development involving Sean Strickland’s coach, which may change the trajectory of both fighters’ careers.

Dricus Du Plessis has been on a tear in the UFC, winning every single one of his matches since joining the promotion. His knockout power, solid ground game, and unshakable determination have made him one of the most feared fighters in the middleweight division. However, despite these impressive accomplishments, many argue that Du Plessis isn’t receiving the recognition he deserves. Whether it’s due to the dominance of bigger names like Israel Adesanya or the trash-talk appeal of Sean Strickland, Du Plessis seems to be continually flying under the radar.

So why is Du Plessis, a fighter with an undefeated UFC record and incredible performances under his belt, not being given the credit he has earned?

Part of the answer might lie in the way fans and pundits view Du Plessis’ fighting style. While incredibly effective, it can be perceived as somewhat “unspectacular” compared to the flashy kickboxing style of Adesanya or the chaotic, high-energy trash-talking presence of Strickland. Du Plessis’ methodical approach to his fights may be exactly what’s keeping him out of the public eye. His hard-hitting style and grueling grind inside the octagon simply aren’t as captivating for fans who crave the drama and flair that come with a more outspoken persona.

However, things took an unexpected turn when Sean Strickland’s coach, whose relationship with the middleweight champion has been a topic of interest in recent months, hinted at an even more dramatic shift. In a recent interview, the coach shockingly claimed that he was considering “letting Du Plessis go” from his camp, adding further mystery to the already complex dynamics in the middleweight division.

Strickland’s coach was vocal about the fact that Du Plessis’ achievements were often overlooked, but there were signs that a rift was forming between him and the fighter. It remains unclear whether this decision is a strategic move to push Du Plessis to the top or a sign that the coach feels Du Plessis isn’t capitalizing on his potential. This controversy only added to the tension surrounding Du Plessis’ rise through the ranks.

Critics are also wondering if Du Plessis’ journey to the top would benefit from more media exposure, personality-driven promotions, and trash-talking tactics like Strickland’s. His natural, quiet demeanor stands in stark contrast to the loud, brash antics that are often associated with UFC success. Du Plessis has stated in several interviews that he isn’t interested in playing mind games, but instead wants to focus on his craft—an admirable sentiment, but one that doesn’t necessarily draw attention from casual fans who are drawn to drama and controversy.

Is Strickland’s coach letting Du Plessis go simply a strategic move, or is this indicative of a larger pattern of underappreciation for one of the division’s brightest stars? One thing is for certain: the world of MMA will be watching closely as Du Plessis continues to prove himself in the cage. Whether or not his efforts finally earn the respect and recognition he deserves remains to be seen. With his next fight potentially on the horizon, Du Plessis is aiming to shut down the doubters once and for all, even if the media—and his own coaches—haven’t quite given him the credit he deserves.

As for Sean Strickland’s camp, the situation adds a new layer of intrigue to their already complex relationship, leaving fans to wonder how this unexpected move will affect not only Du Plessis’ career but the upcoming showdown between Strickland and his challengers.

For now, Du Plessis remains in the shadows of the middleweight division, but with his undeniable skills and hunger for greatness, the question remains: How long before the world finally acknowledges Dricus Du Plessis as the force he truly is?