Dricus Du Plessis is gradually putting together one of the most impressive title reigns in recent UFC history. "Stillknocks" successfully defended his middleweight title for the second time by beating Sean Strickland in the main event at UFC 312 on Saturday night.
Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) has now won four successive bouts against former UFC champions (Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya and Strickland x 2), and the South African has his eyes firmly set on a pair of fights that could elevate him to legendary status in the eyes of MMA fans around the world.
Du Plessis Eyes Superfight Against "Poatan"
Speaking to the media backstage shortly after getting his hand raised inside the Octagon, Du Plessis revealed his ambition to test himself against 205 lb champion Alex Pereira.
“I have the world (of) respect for Alex Pereira,” Du Plessis said. “I think he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I have the most respect for him, what he’s done in a short period of time in the UFC, to come from another sport, what he’s done there, but yes, I want to share the octagon with that man. I want to beat a guy — I’ve beaten [Israel] Adesanya, who has beaten him. I know I can beat him, and at 205 [pounds]. One hundred percent.”
"Khamzat's First"
"Poatan" is already booked to face the no.1 contender in the light heavyweight division, Magomed Ankaleav, next month, and with a clear contender lying in wait at 185 lbs (Khamzat Chimaev), it's likely Du Plessis may have to deal with that problem before entertaining the idea of moving up to face Pereira.
“Khamzat’s first,” du Plessis admitted. “I said [to Pereira], ‘Please beat Ankalaev.’ No hate against Ankalaev; I just want to beat Alex Pereira. It’s nothing personal against Ankalaev, it’s just Pereira. He’s such a legend in this sport to me already that it would be amazing to beat him for my legacy. I want to be the greatest to ever do this. But Khamzat is next. Khamzat is next. I want to make sure that this belt, the middleweight title, that there’s no question that I’m the GOAT of the middleweight division.
