Fighters often face tough decisions in the world of mixed martial arts. This was evident when Dricus Du Plessis turned down a title defense at the monumental UFC 300 event. The criticism came swiftly from many disgruntled fight fans. However, the middleweight champion has now silenced his detractors with a compelling explanation.
Dricus Du Plessis addressed the controversy head-on in a recent appearance on the Fight Wave podcast. With a mix of honesty and wit, the middleweight champion shed light on the reasoning behind his decision not to fight at UFC 300. He explained it with a real-life example of Alexander Volkanovski.
I won’t say numbers just because I don’t like it, but I don’t think people understand the amount of money they offered me to fight at UFC 300. You don’t understand the bitter pill it was to say no to that fight. I had a broken foot. What do you guys want? The fight was eight weeks after. This is your career. You have to be smart about it. Look at Alex Volkanovski.
Dricus Du Plessis via Fight Wave podcast
Du Plessis was initially offered a lucrative opportunity to defend his belt against Israel Adesanya at UFC 300. The South African fighter, however, declined the bout, citing injuries sustained in his previous fight against Sean Strickland. This decision raised eyebrows and drew harsh criticism from some quarters of the MMA community.
Dricus du Plessis explains why he turned down a fight at #UFC300:
“This is your career, you have to be smart about it. Look at Alex Volkanovski… as a champion stepping in on a weeks notice.
That is so badass, but what happened? What favors did that do him? Yea he got money,… pic.twitter.com/sPQSePdgY0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 11, 2024
However, Dricus Du Plessis quickly pointed out the importance of long-term thinking. The middleweight champion’s words resonated with fans who understood the importance of proper preparation and avoiding unnecessary risks. He will most likely make his first title defense by August of this year.
Dricus Du Plessis has a different take on Robert Whittaker than Khamzat Chimaev
Reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has stirred the pot with his recent comments. The South African fighter boldly declared that even if Robert Whittaker emerged victorious against Khamzat Chimaev, he should not be granted a shot at the coveted title.
Dricus Du Plessis comments on Robert Whittaker (via MMA Mania)Du Plessis is known for his candid approach. He didn’t mince words when discussing the potential title contenders set to fight at UFC Saudi Arabia. As such, DDP gave his thoughts on the fight and its potential title implications.
Should [Khamzat] beat Whittaker, I would love to fight Khamzat. In my opinion, should Whittaker beat Khamzat, I don’t think it warrants him a title shot.
Dricus Du Plessis via Fight Wave Podcast
Dricus du Plessis talks about the middleweight divison, and believes that if Robert Whittaker defeats Khamzat Chimaev it doesn’t warrant him a title shot:
“Should [Khamzat] beat Whittaker I would love to fight Khamzat. In my opinion, should Whittaker beat Khamzat, I don’t think… pic.twitter.com/AEZVZiEVBG
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 11, 2024
Du Plessis expressed his willingness to face the rising star from Chechnya. However, when it came to Whittaker’s prospects, Du Plessis threw some shade. He believed Whittaker should face Sean Strickland for the number 1 contender spot. It must be noted that Du Plessis had beaten Whittaker last year at UFC 290 to challenge for the middleweight belt.
