Dricus Du Plessis added another impressive win to his resume at UFC 305. Testing his limits against former champ Israel Adesanya, the South African made his maiden defense of the 185-pound gold. With that in the books, former 185lber Alex Pereira has teased his attention back at the weight class. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan wasn’t in Australia to call the fights — but he’s all in for such a switch!
Technically speaking, Dricus Du Plessis is rarely the slickest or cleanest fighter in UFC competition. While there were certainly dicey moments in the fight, ‘Stillknocks’ showed his usual grit and unusual variable cardio. His bouldering shoulders that pass for guard and an awkward windmill style overpowered Israel Adesanya. Given the intrigue of ‘Poatan’ vs. DDP, Joe Rogan is hyped.
[Du Plessis] could definitely go to 205…Wouldn’t you love to see him try? But can you take a shot from [Alex] …and can you take a shot from that guy at 205? Everybody goes night-night…If Dricus goes up to 205 and fights Alex, oh my goodness, …I’ll fly to the moon to commentate that fight. I want to see that fight.
Joe Rogan via the UFC 305 JRE Fight Companion Podcast (@joerogan) – August 17, 2024
The Brazilian knockout artist teased a potential return to 185 pounds after watching Israel Adesanya incur a submission loss. He has a 3-1 history with Izzy over at GLORY and UFC. However, this was a strong first stanza as to DDP’s MMA acumen. The famed podcast host might be spot-on in this matchmaking, after all.
A showdown with Alex Pereira is perhaps the biggest fight available to the reigning UFC middleweight champion. A pound-for-pound worthy Pereira made brand-value moments at UFC 281, 291, 295, 300, and UFC 303. It has made him the promotion’s top star apart from Conor McGregor. He is also No. 2 in UFC Pound-for-pound listings. As such, this could be a powerhouse showdown for the ages.
Dricus Du Plessis gets warned for thinking about Alex Pereira or Robert Whittaker matchup
In four fights at the 205-pound division, Pereira has three knockouts — all in title fights. He is a brand-value champion and quite a good draw as well. Joe Rogan’s reflection aside, Alex Pereira provides good skill-to-skill power testing for DDP. While welcoming the challenge, he said Pereira should stay at his current UFC lightweight title weight, and maybe they’d meet there instead.
The champ gets new challenges after Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 (Source: X/bleacherreport.com)For now, Dricus Du Plessis has work left at middleweight, with more realistic options. Following the victory, Du Plessis spoke about a possible rematch with Sean Strickland, who he beat for the title in January. He also acknowledged Robert Whittaker as a better possible opponent in the future. Strickland, who lost his 185-pound title at UFC 297, won’t allow any wrench to his plans.
You ain’t ducking me no matter how much you try in interviews! Dana said I’m next in line…. We’re bringing that belt back the America…
Sean Strickland via Instagram (@stricklandmma)
Prior to champion Du Plessis’ title win with a fourth-round submission of Israel Adesanya, CEO Dana White said Strickland was next in line for gold. He is fresh off a win over middleweight Paulo Costa. It turns out he has that in common with Whittaker. Consequently, more to it, Whittaker vs. Costa at UFC 298 was better and an absolute striking clinic. However, Strickland dominated Costa at UFC 301, taking much less damage than Whittaker. Hence, ‘Tarzan’ might get the next shot over ‘The Reaper.’
