Dana White formally raised the stakes for Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305.
The UFC CEO revealed Tuesday night time that if du Plessis efficiently defends his UFC middleweight title towards Israel Adesanya on Saturday at UFC 305, the promotion will take its subsequent 185-pound title struggle to du Plessis’ house nation of South Africa.
“You may have certainly one of these conditions the place, each guys, every thing is on the road, particularly as a result of they dislike one another a lot,” White mentioned. “And if [du Plessus] can beat Izzy and produce that belt again to South Africa, clearly we’ll do an occasion there. And if Izzy can retain and win the title, it’s big for him and his legacy — not retain, however regain.”
UFC 305 takes place August 18 on the RAC Area in Perth, Australia.
Du Plessis, 30, captured the UFC middleweight title in January with a break up choice win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297. The primary South African champion in promotional historical past, du Plessis holds an ideal 7-0 report within the octagon, incomes stoppage wins over the likes of Robert Whittaker, Darren Until, and Derek Brunson, amongst others.
Adesanya, 35, is a two-time former UFC middleweight champion. “The Final Stylebender” was anticipated to face du Plessis in late 2023, nevertheless du Plessis was unable to make the date and Adesanya as an alternative fought Strickland, shedding in a stunning and one-sided upset. Adesanya’s 12-fight win streak at 185 kilos to kick off his UFC profession was the second-longest streak in UFC middleweight historical past, second solely to MMA legend Anderson Silva.
Du Plessis and Adesanya have traded barbs for greater than a yr at this level, turning into fierce rivals over du Plessis’ argument over what constitutes a “true African champion.”
Given the historical past between the 2 males, White expects a rocky week in Perth.
“I’m positive [there’s tension]. [It’s a] large struggle,” White mentioned. “Each time guys hate one another like this, the struggle often finally ends up sucking, however I’ve a extremely good feeling this one received’t. You’re speaking about, should you’re taking a look at what Israel Adesanya has achieved in his life, not simply right here however in kickboxing too, and Dricus, he brings it, man. He comes.”
