Dricus Du Plessis reveals how beer debate sparked Colby Covington friendship

Dricus Du Plessis and Colby Covington are friends now, but their bond started with the South African roasting him over beer.

Du Plessis, who earned a lopsided decision over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City on Saturday, told Full Send MMA that he initially criticized Covington for suggesting non-alcoholic beer to Dustin Poirier following a public intoxication incident. The former middleweight champion called drinking alcohol-free beer a worse offense than anything Poirier had done.

How a beer argument turned into mutual respect

Covington responded by reaching out to Du Plessis directly. "He's like, 'Listen, they have normal beers too, let's get some normal beers with you,'" Du Plessis said. "So, I'm a Colby fan."

The exchange came as Covington publicly backed Du Plessis against Usman, whom Covington fought twice for the welterweight title. Usman and Covington remain bitter rivals, making Covington's support for Du Plessis a pointed choice.

Covington defeated Arman Tsarukyan in a wrestling match at RAF 11 in Milwaukee the same night Du Plessis fought, claiming the inaugural crossover cruiserweight championship. Du Plessis improved to 23-2 with the win over Usman, who dropped to 21-5.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Dricus Du Plessis shares unexpected story behind his Colby Covington friendship