UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis stated he’s nonetheless recovering from accidents and doesn’t need to bounce again within the octagon “too quickly.”
That stated, du Plessis expects to face Israel Adesanya within the first protection of his title, and he has a problem for the ex-champ.
“So that you declare you need to drag my carcass round in South Africa, as you stated,” du Plessis stated on the “Hustlers Nook” video podcast. “So be a person of your phrase, and let’s do it.”
Du Plessis turned down a grudge match with Adesanya at UFC 300, citing accidents to his legs that he suffered in his title-winning efficiency in opposition to Sean Strickland.
However the middleweight champ stated his crew is engaged on reserving the struggle with Adesanya, whom he confronted off with this previous 12 months after a win over ex-champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 290.
“We are attempting,” du Plessis stated of the title matchup. “We’re speaking, positively. That’s what the folks need to see, and that’s what I need to do. I need to struggle one of the best guys. That is an entertaining sport.
“Who do I wanna struggle? I don’t care, I’m the champion. I’ll struggle whoever they put in entrance of me. However what I would like in my coronary heart is to struggle the man that the folks need to see me struggle.”
As for a timeline on the middleweight title struggle, du Plessis stated his advance within the 185-pound division took its bodily toll. He stated the vast majority of his current fights have been taken on lower than full coaching camps.
“Now, with some accidents, [I’m letting that] get better and taking somewhat break,” he stated. “However I need to struggle two extra instances this 12 months. For me, that may be ideally suited.”
Additionally ideally suited for the middleweight champ is a shot at Adesanya in South Africa. The 30-year-old fighter has repeatedly requested the UFC for all all-Africa title showdown. Quite a few logistical hurdles stand in the way in which of that request, although UFC CEO Dana White has promised the promotion will land on the continent earlier than he retires.
Du Plessis stated MMA has been exploding in South Africa, and a showdown between he and Adesanya can be big for the nation. He beforehand informed ESPN.com a June or July date would work finest.
“We’re entertaining folks on the finish of the day,” du Plessis stated. “That’s a part of our job.”
Try du Plessis’ full interview under.
