Chael Sonnen believes that Dricus du Plessis is in a difficult position in the UFC middleweight division following Sean Strickland‘s win over Israel Adesanya, predicting that the UFC is likely to prioritize a rematch or a bout between Chimaev and Paulo Costa, leaving du Plessis overlooked.
The UFC 293 upset of Israel Adesanya by Sean Strickland has left an impact on the middleweight division, with Dricus du Plessis’ position most affected, as per Chael Sonnen. Sonnen, a two-time UFC middleweight title challenger and now an UFC analyst, perceives du Plessis’ situation as challenging, following Strickland’s unexpected victory over “The Last Stylebender”. Sonnen referred to the upcoming Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev match as the new critical contender’s match—the slot initially reserved for Chimaev if he won. The circumstances now might leave du Plessis overlooked once more.
According to Sonnen, matches like Strickland vs. Paulo and Strickland vs. Chimaev, because of the presence of a top-ranked champion and their training dynamics, can easily turn into the next No.1 contender’s match. Du Plessis made headlines following Adesanya’s lackluster performance at UFC 293, after which he expressed his interest to face Strickland for the title. He also claimed that he would give Adesanya a taste of defeat on his home turf in South Africa.
However, UFC President Dana White seemed to favor an immediate rematch as Strickland’s next move. He was clear about his opinion that du Plessis made a mistake by refusing to face Adesanya at UFC 293 due to a foot injury— a viewpoint Sonnen echoes. Sonnen stated that du Plessis just needed a little more time and one more match. He also pointed out that if Adesanya were to win a rematch, a trilogy would be unavoidable, leaving Chimaev and Paulo Costa’s potential battle in the limelight as an elimination bout.
Sonnen believes the rivalry between Adesanya and du Plessis would inevitably bring in high viewership and advocated for the South African fighter to champion a fight with Adesanya rather than a shot at the belt. He also mentioned “Bo Nickal” and suggested that even if he doesn’t get an opportunity to fight Strickland or Adesanya for the title, he could benefit from a match with du Plessis. However, he predicts that these fighters won’t seize this opportunity.