Dricus du Plessis decided to play UFC matchmaker after his latest middleweight title defense.
‘StillKnocks’ broke Sean Strickland’s nose in six places during the UFC 312 main event.
Dricus du Plessis got a unanimous decision victory courtesy of lopsided scorecards from the three cageside judges who oversaw the 185lb title rematch.
During his post-fight press conference, the South African slugger made a bold prediction about Sean Strickland‘s next opponent and all but guaranteed another big rematch is coming for his rival.
Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images
Strickland beat Israel Adesanya in a massive upset to become champion in September 2023.
‘The Last Stylebender’ got an immediate crack at du Plessis after he dethroned Strickland at UFC 297.
Adesanya lost by submission before trying to get his career back on track against Nassourdine Imavov.
Unfortunately for the New Zealander, he slumped to a third straight defeat as he got KO’d at UFC Saudi Arabia last weekend.
Du Plessis believes now is the perfect time for his two former opponents to run it back in the Octagon.
“I know what’s going to happen next,” he said during the UFC 312 post-fight press conference.
“I can almost guarantee you what is happening next.
“Any bet that he’s fighting Adesanya next? Yeah, I just thought of that.”
‘DDP’ considered Imavov and Robert Whittaker as other potential options for Strickland – but ultimately he couldn’t see past a redo with Adesanya.
Du Plessis added: “Imavov? No way, he’s already shown that he beats that style every time.
“Oh, Rob, he said Rob only has a blitz. That would be great.
“Na, I think the Adesanya rematch will be amazing.
“Yeah, that’s what is going to happen. It’s going to be a Fight Night main event, I know it.”
Adesanya has received a much-needed lift amid the worst run of his legendary combat sports career.
During UFC 312, it was announced that Adesanya will join the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing alongside Kelvin Gastelum, who he famously battled for five rounds in an interim middleweight title clash in 2019.
“It was a surprise, definitely,” the former two-time UFC champion said of his HOF induction.
“I wanna say thank you to Kelvin because it’s not just me, it takes two to tango, and he’s a great dance partner.
“It means a lot. At first, when they said, I was like, ‘I’m too young’. But when they said it was for the fight, I was like, ‘Oh, that was an instant classic’ so I respect it.”
Dana White claims Adesanya will take a break from fighting before making another comeback.
The man himself all but confirmed that was his plan during a backstage interview at UFC 312.
“Just celebrate with the team,” Adesanya said when asked about what’s next for him.
“Help the guys get ready for their fights coming up.
“Yeah, just get back to the drawing board and keep working.”
