Dricus Du Plessis, Colby Covington Talk Into Friendship

From Rivalries to a Beer‑Fueled Reunion

Dricus Du Plessis and Colby Covington are now on good terms, despite a rocky start to their connection. The two fighters first clashed when Covington backed Du Plessis’s bid to beat Kamaru Usman, a contender they had already faced twice for the welterweight title. Even after Usman’s reign, the bitterness between him and Covington lingered, adding another layer to their early interactions.

When Du Plessis weighed in before his showdown with Usman, he publicly mocked Covington’s advice to Dustin Poirier. Covington had suggested Poirier drink non‑alcoholic beer, a comment Du Plessis called a worse crime than any legal trouble Poirier had faced. The South African’s sarcastic jab set the stage for an unexpected turn.

Covington responded by inviting Du Plessis to share a few regular beers, effectively flipping the script. “I was giving him sh*t because he was giving Dustin Poirier sh*t and telling him to drink alcohol‑free beer and that’s a bigger crime than anything Dustin Poirier has ever done,” Du Plessis explained on Full Send MMA. “I told [Covington] that and then he reached out to me. He’s like, ‘Listen, they have normal beers too, let’s get some normal beers with you.’ So, I’m a Colby fan.”

Title Wins on the Same Night

Du Plessis reclaimed a winning streak with a lopsided unanimous decision over Kamaru Usman (21‑5) at UFC Oklahoma City. The victory marked a clear statement of intent for the middleweight champion heading into the rest of the year. Meanwhile, Covington made history by defeating Arman Tsarukyan (24‑3) in a wrestling showcase at RAF 11, capturing the inaugural crossover cruiserweight crown in Milwaukee.

Both fights unfolded on the same evening, highlighting how two former rivals now celebrate separate triumphs. The Milwaukee bout was especially notable as it introduced a new champion to the cruiserweight scene, a feat that had been missing from the UFC’s recent schedule. Du Plessis’s dominant win over Usman, meanwhile, re‑solidified his position at the top of the 185‑pound division.

What Lies Ahead for the Fighters?

With the friendship solidified, the next step for Du Plessis will likely be another title defense, following his emphatic win over Usman. Covington, fresh off his debut cruiserweight triumph, may eye a more prominent role in that division or pursue another welterweight bout against a familiar foe. The mutual respect they now share could open doors for joint promotional appearances and collaborative content beyond the cage.

Fan interest has surged, with many speculating about potential future matchups between the two athletes. Both fighters have hinted that a rematch or a co‑main event could be in the cards, should they both continue their current winning momentum. As the MMA community watches, the transformation from trash talk to genuine camaraderie adds a compelling subplot to the ongoing narratives of both competitors.