The world of mixed martial arts is never short of drama and controversy, and the recent comments made by Morne Visser, head coach of Dricus Du Plessis, on Submission Radio, have once again stirred up the pot. Visser, known for his outspoken nature, took a dig at middleweight fighter Alex Pereira, following his dominant win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Vegas 38.
Pereira, a former two-time Glory Kickboxing middleweight champion, has been making waves in the UFC since his debut earlier this year. His striking prowess and knockout power have caught the attention of many, including the likes of Visser and his protege, Dricus Du Plessis. However, after Pereira hinted at a possible return to middleweight, Visser wasted no time in throwing shade at the Brazilian’s technique.
“He’s a big guy, always coming forward. That’s where you’ve got to stop him. I’ve seen him struggle on the back foot,” Visser said, mocking Pereira’s style of fighting. The comments were met with mixed reactions from the MMA community, with some criticizing Visser for his lack of sportsmanship and others applauding him for speaking his mind.
But amidst all the drama, one thing is certain – Visser and his team are not afraid to speak their minds. The head coach’s comments may have been seen as a jab at Pereira, but it also highlights the confidence and belief that he has in his fighter, Dricus Du Plessis.
Du Plessis, a former KSW welterweight champion, has been making a name for himself in the UFC since his debut last year. With an impressive record of 16 wins and only two losses, the South African fighter has quickly risen through the ranks and is now considered one of the top contenders in the middleweight division.
But what sets Du Plessis apart from his peers is his versatility and adaptability inside the octagon. Unlike Pereira, who relies heavily on his striking, Du Plessis has a well-rounded skill set that includes grappling and submissions. This has been evident in his previous fights, where he has showcased his ability to dominate his opponents both on the feet and on the ground.
So when Visser made those comments about Pereira struggling on the back foot, it was not just a dig at the Brazilian, but also a testament to Du Plessis’ skills and game plan. As a coach, Visser knows his fighter’s strengths and weaknesses and is always looking for ways to exploit his opponent’s weaknesses. And with Pereira hinting at a return to middleweight, it’s no surprise that Visser is already strategizing on how to defeat the former kickboxing champion.
But while Visser may have thrown shade at Pereira, another fighter has earned flowers for making the former UFC champ look “bad.” Magomed Ankalaev, who defeated Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 38, has received praise from both fans and fellow fighters for his dominant performance. Ankalaev, who is known for his explosive striking and powerful takedowns, completely shut down Pereira’s offense and controlled the fight from start to finish.
His performance not only earned him a win but also the respect of many in the MMA community. And while Pereira may have hinted at a return to middleweight, it’s clear that he has some work to do if he wants to compete with the likes of Ankalaev and Du Plessis.
In conclusion, while Visser’s comments may have caused some controversy, it has also shed light on the confidence and skill of Dricus Du Plessis. The South African fighter, along with his coach, is not afraid to speak their minds and back it up with their performances inside the octagon. And with Magomed Ankalaev’s dominant win over Pereira, it’s clear that the middleweight division is heating up, and we can expect some exciting matchups in the near future.
