This text incorporates descriptions of violent exercise which might be imitated
Dricus du Plessis is nonchalant however agency when requested if he has been punished with a Taser-like implement throughout his coaching camp earlier than going through Khamzat Chimaev.
“Completely, a number of instances,” the South African tells BBC Sport. “I get tased each battle camp.
“That is how it’s. If you happen to make errors continuously – for those who repeatedly make the identical mistake – you are getting tased, and that is it.”
It was revealed final yr that Du Plessis’ coach Morne Visser makes use of the Taser-like software on the fighters he trains as punishment for errors they make within the gymnasium.
Footage confirmed Du Plessis mendacity face down on his abdomen, with Visser tasing the soles of his ft.
It’s an unorthodox and controversial coaching methodology – and probably very harmful – however Du Plessis credit it with serving to him develop into a UFC champion.
On Saturday, the 31-year-old will make the third defence of his middleweight title in opposition to Russia’s Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago, Illinois.
“I at all times say this – I am South African and we’re constructed completely different. We do no matter it takes to develop into a champion and that is my coach’s methodology,” says Du Plessis.
“Do I prefer it? No. However that is his methodology and if I do not prefer it I can depart that gymnasium any time.
“Did it make me a world champion? Sure, it did. You may’t anticipate completely different outcomes doing the identical factor as everyone else, it is not going to work.”
Du Plessis offers a wry smile earlier than taking a sip of his drink after revealing what it feels wish to be tased.
“It feels completely horrible,” he says. “It is like touching an electrical fence – you simply know it should be horrible. However it does make that psychological notice stick.”
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