Du Plessis Coach Critiques Referee and Plans Future Strategy

Dricus Du Plessis’ head coach, Morne Visser, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating during the fighter’s defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, which took place on August 16, 2023. The match ended in a one-sided loss for Du Plessis, raising questions about both the referee’s decisions and the fighter’s future in the octagon.

The lead-up to the main event was extensive, and expectations were high for Du Plessis, who was touted for his skills. However, the fight showcased a different outcome, with Du Plessis unable to compete effectively against Chimaev, largely due to the latter’s wrestling dominance. Since the bout, Du Plessis has remained relatively quiet about his next moves, sparking speculation about a potential shift in weight classes.

Visser, however, has not shied away from voicing his opinions. He has placed significant blame on veteran referee Marc Goddard, suggesting that the officiating influenced the fight’s outcome. In an interview with Fight Forecast, he commented, “We were not prepared for a guy who’s not willing to fight because really, he didn’t want to fight. If we knew he was gonna do that, I would’ve changed Dricus’ base… (Goddard) should’ve stood that fight up many times.”

Reflections and Future Plans

As the landscape of the middleweight division evolves, Chimaev is expected to face Nassourdine Imavov next, while Du Plessis finds himself at a crossroads. Despite the recent defeat, Visser remains confident about Du Plessis’s capabilities. He stated, “We’ve learned a hell of a lot… This time around, he’s gonna get f—– up. He’s got zero chance against Dricus in the standup, he’s got zero chance against Dricus in the clinch; his only chance is to keep us on the floor.”

With the middleweight division continuing to attract attention, Du Plessis is keen to strategize for a potential rematch against Chimaev. He is currently assessing his options, as his path back to title contention may hinge on upcoming fights in the division.

In the next month, Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez will meet in a bout that could have significant implications for the title picture. The winner of this fight is anticipated to face the victor of Chimaev versus Imavov, narrowing down Du Plessis’ immediate prospects.

One potential matchup that has gained traction is against Brendan Allen, who has been on an impressive run, recently achieving back-to-back victories over Marvin Vettori and Reinier De Ridder. As Du Plessis and his team work to refine their strategies, the focus will undoubtedly be on securing a favorable matchup that could pave the way for a title shot in the future.

Ultimately, the outcome of Du Plessis’ next fight—and the adjustments made in training—will play a crucial role in determining his trajectory within the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.