UFC 305: Dricus Du Plessis Challenges Former Champ in Australia

'DDP' targets an old foe.

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Dricus Du Plessis wants to finally settle things with Israel Adesanya following the news that UFC 305 will take place in Perth, Australia. 

“Stillknocks” claimed the middleweight belt when he earned a split decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 297, and the 30-year-old has been vocal about wanting to defend his title at the first UFC card in South Africa.

With no immediate plans for a South Africa event, Du Plessis recently indicated he’d like to settle things with two-time champion Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 on August 18. 

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A post shared by Dricus du Plessis (@dricusduplessis)

The two middleweights famously had an intense face off in the cage at UFC 290 after Du Plessis stopped Robert Whittaker, but Adesanya’s upset loss to Strickland at UFC 293 in Sydney shelved any plans for that matchup. 

A fight between Du Plessis and Adesanya would be a huge main event for the fans in Perth, although Strickland has also been actively campaigning for an immediate rematch with “Stillknocks” after he narrowly lost the middleweight belt in their first meeting. 

The UFC fans want me and Dricus to settle it. Dricus wants to settle it. We all know I fought in a dirty liberal country who fucked me. Dana knows it. The UFC knows it.

IF IT WAS ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROSTER THE REMATCH WOULD HAPPEN! Do the right thing UFC.

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 28, 2024

Adesanya initially claimed he wanted to take significant time off from fighting after the Strickland loss but has backtracked on that plan in recent months, and perhaps “The Last Stylebender” will get the chance to become a three-time UFC champion at UFC 305 in a matchup with Du Plessis. 

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