UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has revealed who he thinks his first title defense will be against, with Sean Strickland calling for a rematch earlier this week.
Dricus Du Plessis won the middleweight strap from Sean Strickland in the first PPV of 2024, UFC 297 in Canada. Following the fight, Strickland has claimed he was robbed by the judges, calling for an immediate rematch.
Despite that, after the victory ‘Stillknocks’ made it known that he still wants to fight Israel Adesanya. It was originally planned for ‘The Last Stylebender’ to defend his middleweight title against Du Plessis back at UFC 293, instead of against Strickland.
Unfortunately, Du Plessis couldn’t make the quick turnaround following his win against Robert Whittaker just two months prior, and Adesanya went on to lose the belt.
Dricus Du Plessis wants Israel Adesanya next, not Sean Strickland rematch
Although Strickland said earlier this week that both he and Du Plessis want the rematch whilst ordering the UFC to book it, the South African has later mentioned on a podcast with The Hustlers Corner SA, that he wants to defend against Adesanya next.
Du Plessis was reportedly offered the fight against Israel Adesanya, to take place at UFC 300 as the main event, but again the short turnaround meant it again, didn’t come to fruition.
The 30-year-old explained his desire for that fight to be booked for an event in South Africa admitting that he and his team are ‘trying’ to negotiate that with the UFC. Du Plessis also admitted that he wants to fight twice more this year.
“I think that Israel Adesanya is going to be my next fight, that’s the one. I want that fight, the people want that fight. In an ideal world, we will book that on home soil, that’s what we need.
“We are talking, definitely and that’s what the people want to see, that’s what I want to do. I want to fight the best guys, this is an entertaining sport. Who do I want to fight, I don’t care I’m the champion I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me but what I want in my heart is to fight the guy the people want to see me fight.” Du Plessis explained.
Du Plessis issues warning to Israel Adesanya ahead of possible fight
Du Plessis and Adesanya have exchanged words on several occasions. The beef first began when Du Plessis said he wanted to become the first ‘real African champion’.
The former middleweight champion, Adesanya, has fought since losing his 185lb strap to Sean Strickland last September.
Ahead of the possible fight, Du Plessis has ordered Adesanya to ‘be a man’ of his word regarding his recent comments, and take the fight.
“You claim you want to drag my carcass around South Africa as you said, so be a man of your word, and let’s do it.” the champion said.