UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis thinks the Israel Adesanya fight has to happen in Africa.
After claiming the middleweight title with a split decision win over Sean Strickland this past Saturday at UFC 297, Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) reignited his feud with Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) by calling him out.
UFC 300 would be a marquee event for their grudge match, but Du Plessis isn’t sure if he could turn around for the April 13 card in time.
“Nothing is certain yet, but that is what we want to do,” Du Plessis told eNCA and other reporters during a press conference upon his return home. “UFC 300 is a big possibility if my body allows it. I took some punishment obviously with some small injuries.
“I’m not 100 percent sure what the gravity of those injuries are. I’m going to the doctor after this and making sure concussion tests are done, making sure we do the scans, making sure that there’s nothing serious injured. Then UFC 300 is a big, big possibility.”
Du Plessis was expected to face Adesanya when “The Last Stylebender” was still middleweight champ, which led to their heated face off at UFC 290. However, the fight never materialized after Strickland stepped up to face Adesanya instead and upset him at UFC 293.
Considering their African roots, Du Plessis would love to settle the score with Adesanya at home.
“I have to be honest with you,” Du Plessis said. “If UFC Africa is going to happen, you’re going to look very far beyond to find a more perfect fight than me vs. Israel Adesanya and that’s a fight I want right here on home soil where he said he wants to make it happen.”
Look at all the love for @dricusduplessis.
South Africans showed up in droves to welcome their new UFC champion back home. 🇿🇦🏆
(🎥 @carlohayes on IG) pic.twitter.com/JsuwkBq0g2
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 25, 2024
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
