Former KSW and EFC champ Dricus Du Plessis was in action at UFC 264, making the walk to the octagon for the second time against Trevin Giles.
Originally scheduled for March, Du Plessis had been forced out of the bout with Giles due to visa issues. But when Giles got the win opposite short-notice replacement Roman Dolidze, the stage was set for Du Plessis vs. Giles to go down finally. On a much bigger card, no less.
Both fighters took the center, and Du Plessis hit Giles with a kick. A jab from Giles was answered with a low kick. One minute into the fight and Du Plessis landed five calf kicks. Giles missed with a very heavy hook, and he followed it up with a 1-2 just seconds later. Du Plessis threw a head kick, but it was blocked. With just over two minutes left in the round he landed a leaping punch but was countered. Du Plessis shot in for a double and put Giles against the fence. Giles grabbed a guillotine, but Du Plessis defended. Du Plessis went straight into the mount and went for a leg lock, but Giles rolled and ended up on Du Plessis’ back. Du Plessis got to his feet and went for a kimura, but Giles again defended, though South Africa’s Du Plessis was able to use it to gain position. The round ended with Du Plessis holding a choke.
Round two started with both men in the center. Thirty seconds into the round, Giles landed a flying knee to Du Plessis’ body. Du Plessis threw a punch but Giles countered with his own hook. Giles had Du Plessis against the fence throwing a combo, and as he backed up, Du Plessis landed a straight right that dropped Giles! Du Plessis then pounced on him for the finish.
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
🇿🇦 @DricusDuPlessis putting South Africa on the map! #UFC264 pic.twitter.com/kinqJld3o9
— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2021
A huge knockout win for Du Plessis, who snaps Giles’ win streak and earns his second UFC win— with two knockouts in a row.
Official Result: Dricus du Plessis def. Trevin Giles by knockout out (punch) Round 2, 1:41
