Dricus Du Plessis, a top UFC middleweight contender, has been eyeing a matchup with the division’s champion, Israel Adesanya.
Since joining the promotion in 2020, Du Plessis has quickly risen through the ranks with impressive victories over Brad Tavares, Darren Till, and Derek Brunson. Now, he is just one win away from earning a title shot.
Next month at UFC 290, Du Plessis will have the opportunity to solidify his position as a title contender when he faces former champion Robert Whittaker, in what is expected to be a title eliminator.
Adesanya, who has previously beaten Whittaker and has had a contentious relationship with him, has made it clear that he will be cheering for Du Plessis at the upcoming fight. However, Du Plessis is not concerned about Adesanya’s support.
Du Plessis’s Confidence
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Du Plessis was asked about Adesanya’s belief that he will win his upcoming fight. Du Plessis responded by saying that he doesn’t need Adesanya’s hope or support to come out victorious.
“Yeah, be careful what you wish for,” said Du Plessis. “At the end of the day, I don’t care if he hopes or if he wants it. I’ll win on my terms. It’s imminent, like I said. It’s imminent when I fight for the belt, and I’m gonna fight Adesanya.
“He says he’s hoping that I win. That’s good, I don’t need hope. I think the hope is for those who believe that winning can happen by accident,” Du Plessis continued. “I’m not winning by accident or him hoping. I’m winning because of hard work and because I’m the best fighter.”
While Du Plessis remains focused on his upcoming fight against Whittaker, he also aims to make Adesanya regret his support for a potential matchup between the two in the future. Whittaker has proven to be a formidable opponent, but Du Plessis believes he has what it takes to come out on top.
Overall, Du Plessis is confident in his abilities and is determined to make his mark in the middleweight division.
