Dricus du Plessis relates to Conor McGregor's struggle with fame

Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, is in the news once again as his previously offered candid perspective on the challenges that come with fame in the world of mixed martial arts surfaces again, when he referenced Conor McGregor's struggles with public attention.

In January 2024, he claimed the UFC middleweight title after a closely contested split decision victory over Sean Strickland. Since then, he has successfully defended his belt twice, earning widespread recognition and building a growing fan base.

Despite his rapid rise, the Afrikaner fighter, who is of European heritage, has maintained a grounded approach to the fame accompanying championship status.

"Like I always say, being a champion, being in the limelight, you should be yourself," du Plessis said in 2024. "I'm being myself, and I'm not always the best example, make no mistake, especially with now with all the cameras on everywhere you go. It's great, it's cool.

"But you know, I look at a guy like Conor [McGregor], he gets seen doing so many wrong things, but it's just because everything he does is filmed.

"I feel sorry for the guy because most of us do a lot of things that are not wrong, especially when you're out partying."

He continued by noting the double-edged sword of fame, explaining how private moments can become public spectacle as he says the pressure of being a role model 24/7 can lead to momentary lapses of concentration.

While du Plessis expressed sympathy for McGregor's challenges with public scrutiny, recent developments surrounding the Irish fighter could cast a different light on the narrative after a civil court found him liable for assaulting a woman in Dublin.

The jury ruled against McGregor, ordering him to pay more than 248,000 (£206,000) in damages and legal costs to Nikita Hand, following serious allegations, including an accusation of rape, which he denied.

The jury, made up of eight women and four men, found him liable after hearing a testimony from a paramedic describing the nature of the injuries Hand faced. She broke down in tears after learning she won her case.

Du Plessis turns attention to Chimaev fight

The South African has not publicly reacted to McGregor's legal issues in Ireland and he is now gearing up for a pivotal fight on August 16, when he defends his middleweight title against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago's United Center.

Both fighters enter the bout with impressive records-du Plessis boasts a perfect 9-0 UFC streak with six finishes, while Chimaev matches that undefeated status with eight wins, also with six stoppages.

"I don't care how good you think you are," Du Plessis said on Instagram. "How tough how fit or how strong, when you step into that octagon with me it will be a first time experience and not a pleasant one, that's a promise.

"As we say in [South African flag emoji] built different!! Hulle sweet nie wat ons sweet nie #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed."