UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, currently recovering from injuries, has challenged ex-champion Israel Adesanya to a fight in South Africa, and despite logistical hurdles, he hopes for a June or July date for the all-Africa title showdown.
Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champ, is nursing some injuries. He’s not keen on rushing back into the octagon too hastily.
But, he’s got his sights set on Israel Adesanya for his first title defense. Du Plessis has a bone to pick with the former champ.
On the “Hustlers Corner” video podcast, du Plessis threw down the gauntlet. “You say you wanna drag my carcass around South Africa,” he challenged. “Be a man of your word. Let’s do this.”
He’d previously declined a grudge match with Adesanya at UFC 300. Why? Injuries to his legs from his title-winning bout against Sean Strickland.
But, he’s not backing down. His team’s working on booking the fight with Adesanya. They had a face-off last year after du Plessis’ win over ex-champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 290.
“We’re trying,” du Plessis said about the title matchup. “We’re talking, definitely. The fans wanna see it, and I wanna do it. I wanna fight the best. It’s all part of the game.”
Who’s he willing to fight? “I don’t care, I’m the champ. I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. But deep down, I wanna fight the guy the fans wanna see me fight.”
His journey to the middleweight title wasn’t easy. It took a physical toll. Most of his recent fights were on less than full training camps.
“Now, with some injuries, I’m taking a break,” he admitted. “But I plan to fight two more times this year. That’d be ideal.”
What’s also ideal? A shot at Adesanya in South Africa. The 30-year-old has been pushing for an all-Africa title showdown. There are logistical hurdles, but UFC CEO Dana White has promised a UFC event on the continent before he retires.
Du Plessis is excited about the growth of MMA in South Africa. A showdown with Adesanya would be a big deal for the country. He suggested a June or July date to ESPN.com.
“We’re entertainers at the end of the day,” du Plessis said. “That’s part of our job.”
You can check out du Plessis’ full interview below.