South African sensation Dricus Du Plessis is on the verge of the biggest fight of his career, defending his UFC middleweight title against none other than Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. Despite the mounting pressure, Du Plessis remains as cool as ever, now embracing his role as the top 185-pound fighter in the world.
The perks of being champion are sweet—luxury hotel rooms, fast cars, and global recognition—but Du Plessis knows that when it comes to defending his title against a legend like Adesanya, it's all about sticking to the game plan that got him here.
“I’ve been through many fight weeks, but being the champion just adds that extra edge,” Du Plessis says with a confident smile. He remains grounded, sticking to his tried-and-true methods while proudly representing his home country of South Africa.
Du Plessis is well aware that Adesanya is one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the Octagon, with victories over the likes of Alex Pereira, Anderson Silva, and Robert Whittaker. But the reigning champion is unfazed, seeing this bout as an opportunity to solidify his legacy.
“This fight has been brewing for two years,” says Du Plessis. “Adesanya is a legend, but I’m the one holding the belt now. There’s something special about that.”
The rivalry between these two warriors reached a boiling point after Du Plessis’ stunning victory over Whittaker at UFC 290, where Adesanya, then the champion, entered the Octagon for an intense face-off. Their tension spilled over into the UFC 305 press conference, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
For Du Plessis, this fight is strictly business. “It’s never personal. My focus is on winning, not on what’s said outside the Octagon,” he asserts, showcasing his mental toughness and unbreakable spirit.
With an undefeated streak in the UFC and a fighting style as unpredictable as it is effective, Du Plessis has silenced critics and climbed to the top. He’s been called a “gorilla on roller skates,” a description he surprisingly embraces, understanding that his unconventional approach has brought him nothing but success.
As the clock ticks down to UFC 305, Du Plessis is laser-focused on one outcome: retaining his title. He believes that if Adesanya brings the fight to him, it won’t last beyond the second round.
“If the aggressive Adesanya shows up, I’ll finish him in two rounds. If not, I’ll get him out in three,” Du Plessis boldly predicts.
Don’t miss UFC 305: Du Plessis vs Adesanya, live from RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia on August 17, 2024. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, and the main card kicks off at 10pm ET/7pm PT, live on PPV.