Making Things Ugly: Dricus Du Plessis & Andrew Tackett
Tenacity, Grit, and Tact
UFC 305 and the CJI were showcases in how being a technical savant is not always the best base for success. Those who might seem less technically refined or use less conventional styles can often find success through enforcing pace, pressure, GRIT (my favorite thing).
The standouts of the weekend to me were fighters who are touted as having ugly styles, but for different reasons: Dricus Du Plessis and Andrew Tackett. Fighting in the dirt is often a base for success, lets find out how.
Disclaimer: The video clips included in this article are not owned by the author. They are included for educational purposes only to illustrate key moments in the fighter’s career and demonstrate aspects of mixed martial arts techniques and strategies. All rights to the video content belong to their respective owners.
V1: Adesanya advances on DDP with shots through his high guard an some lovely shots to the body, backing his South African foe to the fence. DDP attempts to counter with a wide shot but is brought down with an easy double collar tie by Adesanya. As DDP falls flat on his face he grabs a hold of Adesanya’s ankle which brings him down, allowing him to come up on the back body lock.
Still Knockin’
Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis (DDP) was focused on 3 things throughout his UFC 305 title defense:
Kicking from the outside
Blitzing into range
Entering the clinch (through blitzes) to enforce his grappling.
In V2, we see DDP play off his blitzing as a way to land kicks. His windmilling marches are the subject of controversy among fight analysts and for good reason. His punches are often wide and his head is far forward of his hips. Adesanya is known for his active counter-punching so it seemed a sure thing that he would catch DDP coming in but this rarely happened. Adesanya landed most of his offense on the front foot and focused on evading or countering the subsequent takedown attempt as DDP rushed into the clinch (V3).
DDP is a fighter who happens to do a lot right. His technique, as you can see when he punches, is messy, unorganized, and it looks as though he’s a street brawler thrown in with crafty operators. Wether intentional or not he ends up making great decisions in the cage. He is able to follow strategically sound game plans (refer to the below article) despite his lack of technical refinement.
V2: DDP lunges forward with shifting rear hands and follows up with a step up low kick. Adesanya retaliates with a body kick of his own. DDP then shifts through, like his usual blitzes, causing Adesanya to parry the hands, leaving the closed side of the body open for a step-up kick.
V3: DDP parries Adesanya’s long jab, and is already stepping up with his back leg before Adesanya returns to stance. DDP’s surprisingly fast high kick just misses the mark. Before Adesanya has a chance to reset, DDP throws his signature looping rear hand with his head far forward of his hips. His momentum carries his head right into Adesanya’s chest, and a takedown attempt along the cage.
In making a point to highlight DDP’s ugly success I would be remiss not to mention his surprisingly snappy left leg kicks. DDP’s primary form of offense from the outside was to kick Adesanya with the left leg at all targets. He would consistently abuse Adesanya’s legs (V6), body (V4), and throw incredibly quick step-up head kicks (V5). They are not as aesthetically potent as Adesanya’s but Jack Slack often says to “kick with the kicker”. As a result Adesanya’s long range offense was largely reliant upon his jab and his low kick was a non-factor. Rather, he was often defending DDP’s kicks rather than throwing his own.
V4: DDP marches forward and raises his lead knee, lightly places it back down, and turns his foot over into a closed side body kick while Adesanya jabs.
V5: DDP’s fast and crafty step-up high kick he throws while Adesanya jabs.
V6: DDP throws an inside low-kick while Adesanya frames off his guard with his back to the fence.
DDP’s kicking game truly shined in how well he was able to time them. His tactical decision making in-cage is perhaps more impressive than his ability to follow a general strategy. No matter the stance matchup he would kick the calf as Adesanya jabbed (V7). This is the “classical” use of the leg kick and is perfect as the opponent is heavy on their lead foot. The tactic is rendered more effective as Adesanya uses a “sticky jab” that stays in front of the opponents face to measure range. DDP would already be throwing a kick as Adesanya left his arm in range. In a surprising moment of craft, the champion also kicked the inside leg the moment Adesanya switched stances (V8). Adesanya fights out of both stances and loves to reset between exchanges. Attacking Adesanya within a moment of transition puts it in his mind that his stance switches will be punished and forces him to take more time to reset.
V7: DDP throws an inside low-kick as Adesanya moves forward with a flurry of jabs.
V8: Adesanya jabs off of his stance switch, but DDP preemptively responds by throwing a step-up inside low kick to the lead leg as he switches.
DDP further exploited Adesanya’s love of fighting clean and resetting with his blitzing flurries. These flurries are not technically good fighting. What makes them effective is when DDP chooses to blitz in (V9). He becomes somewhat unpredictable in that he is willing to work from both stances like Adesanya (V9), and after throwing his own strikes will come back to stance more quickly. Adesanya takes a breath while DDP is already moving into range swinging (V10). Even in awkward moments where fighters will take a breath and circle, DDP will attack the moment the ref says go (V11). This is how DDP wins. He is willing to attack at all times. Fighters like Adesanya enjoy settling into a rhythm. DDP disrupts this comfortable rhythm. People will refer to him as “awkward” and “herky jerky”, to explain this, but it is his decision to attack in these moments that actionably disrupts a fighters flow.
V9: Adesanya lands an inside low kick that forces DDP into a short southpaw stance. From here he does his signature “run up” into rear straights, the first of which land cleanly on Adesanya.
V10: DDP throws a low kick, and in the time Adesanya usually takes to reset, he throws a jab that is concurrently countered by a cross counter from DDP.
V11: DDP arises from a standing reset. Most opponents would take the opportunity to feel their opponent as they approach them, but DDP immediately lands with an overhand left as Adesanya gallops into range.
DDP solidified his exceptional timing with his takedowns. He had much more success maintaining control of Adesanya while along the fence, but had some fantastic entries as Adesanya overcommitted to his offense in V12 & V13.
V12: DDP slips to the outside of Adesanya’s sticky jab and comes right into a takedown.
V13: Adesanya advances on DDP with a significant combination. Adesanya overcommits however, and just as he lands a crisp body shot DDP comes in on the hips to temporarily bring Adesanya down.
DDP began losing steam once Adesanya decided to target his body but came out in the 4th round and did what any elite fighter would. He adapted.
Adesanya looks as though he is the cleaner operator on the front foot, but his defense was never able to reach the same peaks. DDP kept a committed high guard throughout the fight that Adesanya broke through while moving forward with jabs and uppercuts, but kept him safe as Adesanya tried to return fire in an exchange. Adesanya looked helpless on the back foot in contrast (V14). Adesanya attempts to frame and move back from the onslaught, eventually circling out near the cage, but it is often too little too late. Even if DDP misses with his first 2-4 shots, the last one will usually land (V15). DDP’s tenacity is able to overcome his technical flaws. He moves forward with abandon which keeps Adesanya back-pedaling and unable to counter. The combinations are wide and predictable (he rarely doubles up on the same side) but he continues to throw. Adesanya himself rarely throws more than a couple strikes in a combination, and got taken down when he did in this fight. DDP has no worries about being taken down and throws more strikes than his contemporaries. Adesanya wasn’t used to defending so many punches in one sequence got caught. DDP is does some things that few fighters do in form and function.
V14: DDP lands on Adesanya’s guard with a lead left hook as he leans back at the waist and steps backwards. DDP’s shifting right hand catches Adesanya as he thinks he’s out of range, forcing him to retreat to the cage perimeter.
V15: DDP marches forward with a shifting combination. Adesanya gallops backwards while defending, but is eventually hit by the fourth of DDP’s punches.
The extended combinations had their place but DDP filtered the essential success of them into the double jab. The double jab is less committal, safer, and forced a predictable reaction out of Adesanya. The finish (V20) was built upon the southpaw double jab he brought out in the fourth round. He started using it early and missing on most shots (V16), drawing out Adesanya’s tendency to move back and to his right following DDP’s jab (V17). DDP started to land his left hook to catch Adesanya circling out as he shortened his jabs, improving the technique and nuance to land (V18). DDP’s improving jabs forced Adesanya to commit a defensive error, running with his back turned along the cage (V19), which led to him getting finished (V21).
V16: DDP throws a double jab that Adesanya lazily backs away from, and follows up with a left hook that misses the mark, but keeps Adesanya on his toes.
V17: DDP throws the same combination as above, but throws a much shorter second jab that stays in Adesanya’s face to obscure his vision. As a result, his left hook comes much closer to landing as it also takes advantage of Adesanya’s tendency to circle out to his right.
V18: DDP shortens the double jab by feinting the first and extending on the second, just touching Adesanya. Now he finds success following up with his left hook that lands on a circling Adesanya.
V19: DDP switches to orthodox, double jabs Adesanya to the fence and throws his left hook over the shoulder. With Adesanya turning and retreating along the cage DDP continues the barrage with wide lefts until Adesanya stops moving and he can take the back body lock.
V20:. DDP finishes the fight with a perfect RNC.
DDP deserves his flowers for defeating 3 of the 4 past MW champions, most notably finishing Whittaker and Adesanya. He was a mess. Sloppier, gassing out, getting hit. In all of his fights he looks as though he’s about to fall over. He perseveres. DDP is a man of grit, tenacity, passion, and a will to win. He is unyielding in his desire and will find tactical routes to victory before and during a fight. Cursed by his mechanics but blessed by his mind, DDP is a champion through and throgh.
Andrew Tackett
Across the ocean from the UFC was an event even more exciting: CJI (Craig Jones Invitational) in Las Vegas. If you don’t know about this event, William from Open Note Grappling and Jack Slack have been writing about it quite a bit, so check their articles out.
Andrew Tackett was a standout of the tournament despite losing in the semi-finals. He had the best grappling match I’ve ever seen against Kade Ruotolo, and dominated Nicky Ryan with his impressive wrestling. Given my own love for wrestling and grimy moves, I took a lot from his performances. When you listen to the commentators throughout his matches they always refer to his style as “ugly”. He is technically much more proficient than Dricus Du Plessis (V39, V40) but has the same qualities that garner success: tenacity (V22), grit (V21), and his own addition of PACE.
V21: Tackett grits through a D’Arce and North-South choke by creating space with his hand between Ruotolo’s shoulder and his chest, framing off the head, and turning into Ruotolo to regain guard.
V22: Tackett is tripped along the alley’s edge, but immediately grabs a hold of Ruotolo’s leg and turns into him to come up onto a far single leg takedown. Given he is reaching across Ruotolo he tries to put Tackett in a crucifix, which is halted as soon as Tackett stands up.
Just as DDP extended his combinations to land a shot, Tackett chained failed takedown attempts together to keep a torrid pace on his opponents (V23). You can call this ugly as its not a clean one and done takedown, but Tackett is ok with failing. He knows that he can keep shooting and that success will come by applying pressure (V24). Tackett is a special grappler because in positions most would abandon or accept their failure (V25) he continues to fight for a better position to WIN. This is not something that is easy to develop, or possible in some people. Even some of the greatest fighters in the world can grow complacent (i.e. Leon Edwards). This is where attitude can overcome a difference in skill. Tackett is no mess, he is a world-class grappler, but against what is likely a technical disparity versus Kade Ruotolo, he can bridge the gap by continuing to try things at all times.
V23: Tackett posts on the head and shoots a blast double, running through until he gets a back body lock as Ruotolo turns away. Ruotolo gets deep on his overhook and goes for the whizzer kick. Tackett keeps his underhook and transitions it into a loose armlock while standing up. With Ruotolo’s near arm occupied he can safely turn in.
V24: Tackett gets in on a body lock shot and barrels forward until they hit the Alley edge. Ruotolo attempts to counter with a whizzer kick but ends up giving his back in the process.
V25: Tackett tries to shuck past Ruotolo’s guard, who turns belly down to build back to his feet. Tackett grabs a hold of the leg he shucked to transition to a back body lock. Tackett jumps to the back, but Ruotolo’s hand fighting makes Tackett fall off the back. Instead of falling flat, Tackett cross his heels to bring Ruotolo down with him. He ends up in half guard with a deep underhook around the waist. From here he can stand up and meet Ruotolo in the clinch.
V26: Tackett steps to Ruotolo’s back to get deep on a back body lock. Ruotolo tries a small whizzer kick but Tackett maintains his balance. Tackett continues to put his weight on Ruotolo and bring him to the ground. Once Ruotolo’s hand hits the mat, Tackett attempts to jump to the back. Instead, Ruotolo gets a tricep grip and completes his whizzer kick to end up on top.
Tackett’s passing is even more relentless than his stand-up grappling (V27). Nicky Ryan might have a cardio issue but he is equally as known for his wicked guard. He is the antithesis of Tackett in this way. Just like his takedowns, Tackett often fails his initial few attempts to pass the guard, and will reset to try again (V28). His main tactic is to clear the legs by the ankles, dive his head straight into the crotch, and circle into North-South (NS) where he can apply enough pressure to break frames (V29) or directly into side control (V30). This might take 3-4 tries but he will find himself there eventually. Once in side control, Tackett will continue to make the opponent uncomfortable until he can get into mount (V31), or take the back (V32).
A man who is not afraid to fail is also a man who is willing to try new things (V30) a power in and of itself. Not only will Tackett continue to try after an initial failure, he will try new things to demoralize his opponent (V31). Though his execution isn’t ugly, Tackett is more than happy to make his opponent as uncomfortable as possible, skirting the line of legality in what he does to continue his rampage from top position.
V27: Tackett pushes Ryan down and immediately shoves his head into Ryan’s crotch to begin passing into North-South (NS)
V28: Tackett has grips on the near ankle and far hip as he circles towards Ryan’s head. As Ryan regains guard, he switches from the hip to the far ankle to control Ryan’s leg, pull them forward, and dive straight into the crotch. Ryan is able to maintain enough defensive so Tackett stands to try again.
V29: Tackett is working in Ryan’s open guard, and comes out the side to put him in a loose cradle. He replaces his hand on Ryan’s foot with his chest to pressure down, and controls the other ankle with the hand, all while building his base upon the slope. Though Ryan maintains strong frames, Tackett puts his head in the taint with an arm around waist to put pressure on Ryan’s guard before he is able to recover.
V30: Tackett cartwheels off the slope around Ryan’s guard and grabs hold of a leg, pressuring with his shoulder to bring Ryan to his side. Ryan recovers guard, but Tackett is able to pressure his chest into the knee, and slide into side control.
V31: Tackett keeps pressure in NS by putting his shin in the face of Ryan and hands on his hips to keep him from rolling on his side. Tackett brings his hand to the far hip to transition from knee-on-face to knee-on-belly, and easily slide into mount.
V32: Tackett locks up a cradle while in side control and takes a hook over his own arm. He then rolls Ryan over to take the back.
When Tackett gets on top, his willingness to get grimy, down, and dirty is what keeps him there. He can hang with the best, as was evident with his match with Ruotolo, but he is not above hurting you to get what he wants. Muffling the opponents mouth (V35), pressuring with the shin to the chin (V33), abusing the chin with his shoulder (V34). He reminds me of Hakuhō in this way. He was the best sumo wrestler in the world, and even as Yokozuna used techniques supposedly “above the station” of a Yokozuna, such as his forearm bash at the tachi-ai.
V33: Tackett puts his shin across the face of Ryan while in NS.
V34: While in a dominant half guard, Tackett keeps his shoulder pressed against Ryan’s chin. To get Ryan’s focus off the legs and wear on him, he rocks his shoulder against the chin over and over.
V35: Tackett puts the muffler on Ryan.
V36: Tackett pulls on the cheek and cranks Ruotolo’s face while looking for the RNC.
V37: Tackett uses his wrist to dig under Ruotolo’s nose and open the pathway to the neck.
V38: Tackett digs his fingers under the mandible to pull Ryan’s chin up to open up the neck.
This is not limited to his top pressure. Tackett is an absolute menace once he is on the back, relentlessly cranking on the face (V36), chin (V38), and nose (V37) to expose the neck. All of these tactics are grimy and painful, and slowly wear on an opponent to tire them out, open up submissions, and keep them in losing positions. Does this make Tackett a dirty fighter? No. Tackett simply does whatever it takes to win. He will shoot as many takedowns as it takes to get you down, put his head in the crotch a million times, and grind on your face until you relent to his pressure. Even at the very end of the Ruotolo match he was looking for a way to overcome the tight choke he was caught in. Tackett is looking to win in overwhelming fashion. He wants there to be no doubts. He will make it ugly, because so few are willing to.
V39: Ryan keeps his arms tight. To break the grip Tackett digs under the forearm with one arm, and clasps hands with the other that has a cross face.
V40: Sick entry into the calf-slicer to facilitate a back take.
You do not have to be the best technician to win fights. Technique is something that helps you stay safe, and fight more efficiently, but it is by no means necessary. For anyone learning a combat sport, I suggest you sink time in the technical and tactical aspects of fighting. It will help your development more than anything else. However, your physical capacity, willingness to work, and sheer grit will be able to pull you out of the darkest of depths. DDP is a man who is tactical and physical gifts are enough to overcome his technical flaws. His fighting is ugly by necessity. Andrew Tackett has the ability to be a clean operator, but chooses to be relentless in pace and pressure.
What does it mean to be an ugly fighter? At the end of the day, those who want to win will choose to do so. By choice or necessity, you can gain a lot from fighting ugly.
