Dricus Du Plessis isn’t nervous about Israel Adesanya for now.
With Sean Strickland defeating Adesanya this previous Saturday at UFC 293 to say the middleweight title, the looming Du Plessis-Adesanya grudge matchappears to be on maintain because the South African contender declared on social media that his quick purpose is to problem the brand new champion.
“Myself and [Strickland] had the most important upsets of 2023 and I’m undoubtedly the No. 1 contender, so let’s settle this like males at any time when, wherever,” Du Plessis wrote. “After that, I’ll give [Adesanya] his well-deserved hiding on my house soil South Africa.”
Du Plessis seemingly cemented a title shot with a dominant second-round TKO victory over former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in Las Vegas this previous July. The win improved Du Plessis’ UFC report to 6-0 and his total professional report to 20-2.
Instantly after that consequence was learn, Adesanya entered the cage and had a heated confrontation with Du Plessis, creating the expectation that the 2 may struggle at UFC 293. Nevertheless, an damage prevented Du Plessis from making the fast turnaround, which led to Strickland getting the decision.
Du Plessis now goals to defeat Strickland and face Adesanya at a later date.
“That being stated, don’t wish to beat the newbie that fought on Saturday evening,” Du Plessis wrote. “I wish to beat the most effective [Adesanya] so take a while and get your s*** collectively.”
UFC President Dana White could require some convincing if Du Plessis’ plan is to come back to fruition. On the UFC 293 post-fight presser, White expressed interest in an immediate rematch between Strickland and Adesanya.
