Oh, the buzz around Dricus Du Plessis possibly defending his title at UFC 300? Yeah, don’t bet your house on it. Seems like those whispers are more fiction than fact.
So, here’s the scoop. After a heart-pounding split-decision win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297, Du Plessis is kinda in a holding pattern. He’s not rushing to pencil in his first defense date. “I have no idea [when it’ll be],” he spilled on Jacaranda FM. Between you and me, he’s still getting checked out after the fight. Injuries, scans, the whole nine yards. The goal? To ensure he’s not just a flash in the pan but here for a good, long time. Last year was a whirlwind, and now? It’s all about playing it smart.
Now, about UFC 300. That rumor? Kindled by a cryptic tweet from none other than Israel Adesanya, who’s eyeing Du Plessis’ belt. Michael Chiesa, UFC welterweight and analyst, fanned the flames, hinting that the bigwigs want this showdown for the landmark event. But Du Plessis? He’s not about to rush his recovery just for the spotlight.
For Du Plessis, the dream? Bringing the UFC to South Africa for a title defense. “UFC 300 is gonna be huge, no doubt,” he admitted. But to him, it’s just another number. The real prize? UFC Africa. That’s the history-making moment he’s holding out for.
Adesanya is still top of the list for Du Plessis’ first defense. But don’t think he’s closed the door on a Strickland rematch. “If that’s what the UFC wants,” he shrugged. He’s in it to give the fans what they crave, not to pick the easy fights. And if round two with Strickland happens? Du Plessis is convinced it’ll be a walk in the park compared to their first dance.