Dricus Du Plessis Calls Out Francis Ngannou After Drinking Challenge
Dricus Du Plessis issued a lighthearted but direct callout to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou during a casual outdoor gathering, challenging the free agent while finishing a rapid beer-and-martini combination.
The South African middleweight, fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman on July 18 at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City, appeared relaxed as he and a friend tackled the drinking stunt. Du Plessis held a plastic cup of beer in one hand and an espresso martini in the other. He counted down, then drained both in quick succession, with liquid spilling down his black shirt and shorts amid laughter from those around him.
Once the glasses were empty, Du Plessis turned toward the camera with a grin and delivered his message. “Francis Ngannou, you’re taking everything I worked for, motherf*cker!” he said. He followed it immediately with another line aimed at the Cameroonian powerhouse: “I wanna buy your a*s!”
The moment captured Du Plessis in a playful mood only two days after his hard-fought five-round win. That victory improved his record to 24-3 and kept him firmly in the middleweight title conversation. He currently sits near the top of the division after dropping the belt to Khamzat Chimaev last year and rebounding with the dominant performance against Usman.
Ngannou, meanwhile, remains a free agent. The former UFC heavyweight titleholder parted ways with the PFL in March 2026 after a brief and limited stint with the promotion. His future in MMA or boxing has stayed unsettled, leaving open the possibility of high-profile matchups outside the UFC.
Du Plessis has built his reputation on aggressive, pressure-heavy fighting and an outspoken personality. The callout fits that pattern, even if it came in a social setting rather than a formal post-fight interview. By naming Ngannou specifically, the 24-3 contender signaled interest in a crossover-style bout that would generate significant attention across combat sports.
Whether the two men ever share a cage remains uncertain. They compete in different weight classes, and Ngannou’s free-agent status adds another layer of complexity. Still, the video underscores Du Plessis’s willingness to aim high while celebrating a recent win.
For now, the focus for Du Plessis stays on the middleweight division. His performance against Usman strengthened his case for another title opportunity, and the ranking picture continues to shift. The Ngannou comments add an entertaining side note as the South African prepares for whatever comes next in the UFC.
