Instantaneous rematches are nothing new in Final Combating Championship (UFC).
Though the previous two-time Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, isn’t getting into a rematch when he challenges the champion, Dricus du Plessis, at UFC 305, will probably be an on the spot title shot after a loss. Adesanya’s return will mark his first look since a unanimous resolution title defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023 (watch highlights).
Earlier than the Strickland combat, Adesanya (24-3) gained again the title in his blended martial arts (MMA) rematch in opposition to Alex Pereira (watch highlights) — his first on the spot rematch in a title combat. Finally, du Plessis gained’t be shocked if it occurs once more if he earns his first profitable title protection this weekend (Sat., Aug. 17, 2024).
“In the event you misplaced the belt and needed to combat all the best way again up then that takes willpower however getting a title shot after a loss each single time, that’s attention-grabbing,” du Plessis informed The MMA Guru (h/t Bloody Elbow). “I’m assuming we’ll have a rematch after this.”
Whatever the end result, there’s anticipated to be a rematch … however not between du Plessis and Adesanya. UFC CEO, Dana White, revealed throughout combat week that the aforementioned former champion, Strickland, will await the winner of UFC 305’s principal occasion. Regardless of these claims from the boss, du Plessis doesn’t see how the undefeated 13-0 contender, Khamzat Chimaev, gained’t be subsequent relying on the result of his Robert Whittaker match up at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, 2024.
“It’s a really attention-grabbing scenario at Middleweight proper now since you’re sitting with Strickland who beat [Paulo] Costa, however then you definitely get [Robert] Whittaker who’s been at it, who beat Costa as properly. He additionally beat Costa earlier than Strickland in a way more entertaining combat, for positive.
“Let’s be trustworthy, if the Whittaker-Chimaev combat ends in a draw, Khamzat’s getting a title shot for positive, 100%,” he continued. “The UFC have been wanting to present Khamzat a title shot for years he simply wouldn’t take it. I’m rooting for Whittaker in that combat though I might like to combat Khamzat.”
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