UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has expressed his desire to fight Israel Adesanya in Australia at UFC 305, a matchup that has been rumored and is also reportedly desired by Adesanya.
Dricus du Plessis has his eyes set on Israel Adesanya. And he wants him Down Under, in Australia.
There’s been chatter in the UFC. Rumors are swirling that du Plessis vs. Adesanya could be the main event at UFC 305. This event marks the UFC’s return to Australia.
On Tuesday, du Plessis decided to stir the pot. He called out Adesanya, also known as “The Last Stylebender.”
His words? “Looks like someone wants another beating in Aus.” He’s ready for the fight. He even added, “I’m in, I also wouldn’t want to fight the king of Africa on home soil. Manifestations working good for you AGAIN!”
He ended his callout with a series of hashtags. “#stillknocks #proudlysouthafrican #preparetobeamazed #championoftheworld.”
Flashback to January. Du Plessis claimed the UFC middleweight title at UFC 297. He won a split decision over Sean Strickland. After his victory, he called out Adesanya for a fight at the upcoming UFC 300 card. But, a du Plessis injury made that impossible. Still, the South African champion didn’t give up on the matchup.
Adesanya? He’s also expressed a desire to fight du Plessis. He’s reportedly open to the UFC 305 booking.
There’s history between du Plessis and Adesanya. A long-standing rivalry. It started when Adesanya was the middleweight champion. Du Plessis called him out, promising to bring the belt back to Africa, not New Zealand. This sparked a heated animosity between the two. They were supposed to settle their differences at UFC 293 in Sydney. But, du Plessis couldn’t fight on that timeline.
Then came UFC 293. Sean Strickland stepped in and upset Adesanya. This led to the title fight between Strickland and du Plessis. Now, almost a year later, Australia might finally get the original title fight it was promised.
UFC 305? It’s happening on Aug. 18. The location? RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.