UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, after a title win over Sean Strickland, has expressed his interest in fighting former champ Israel Adesanya at UFC 300, dismissing a callout from Khamzat Chimaev.
Sitting before the press, UFC middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis couldn’t help but crack a joke about his post-fight appearance. The aftermath of his grueling title win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 had left its mark.
“Damage? You should’ve seen me before the fight,” he quipped when questioned about his facial injuries and potential return. “I’m a walking cauliflower now. But yeah, I’m a little rough around the edges.”
The big question on everyone’s lips post-victory was, ‘Who’s next?’ Du Plessis, the South African powerhouse, didn’t leave us guessing. He called out former champ Israel Adesanya, right off the bat.
He expressed a keen interest in a swift return to the ring. Specifically, he had his sights set on the UFC 300 card slated for April 13. However, after a five-round slog, he seemed less than thrilled about the prospect.
“I’m game for another round if they want it,” he stated. “I’m not setting a timeline, but UFC 300? Sounds epic.”
Before Strickland stepped into du Plessis’ spot at UFC 293 and snatched the title, the du Plessis vs. Adesanya fight was the talk of the town. Adesanya, however, announced a hiatus from the sport after his loss.
Recently, Adesanya has been hinting at a comeback. Du Plessis seems all too eager to make it happen. Despite their rivalry’s bitter roots – a racially charged debate over the “real” African champ – du Plessis insists it’s not about settling scores.
“It’s not personal,” he clarified. “It’s about giving the fans what they want. I want to fight the best. There are plenty of guys I’ll be facing, but the fans are clamoring for Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus du Plessis. The hype’s already there.”
“If the fans change their minds and don’t want to see Adesanya, we won’t do it. I’m fine with that. I don’t care who it is. But that’s the fight I think people want to see. It would get them excited.”
To du Plessis, an Adesanya matchup makes more sense than other middleweights on the roster, like Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, who debuted at 185 pounds with a win over ex-welterweight champ Kamaru Usman, tweeted at the new champ immediately.
When asked about Chimaev’s apparent call-out for UFC 300, du Plessis scoffed.
“Yeah, but he said that to Jon Jones,” he retorted when asked about Chimaev’s tweets. “Who takes him seriously?”
Now that the belt is securely around his waist, everyone should be taking du Plessis seriously. There were doubts he could last five rounds in a title fight due to pre-surgery oxygen issues. But with a fixed nose and victories over a former and current champ, he’s proven he’s among the elite.
“Hopefully, my cardio is a discussion of the past,” he said. “If not, keep on doubting, I don’t care. At your own demise, of course.”