Dricus Du Plessis does not think “Poatan” should go back to Middleweight.
Du Plessis scored a massive win at UFC 305 last night (Sat., Aug. 17, 2024) when he submitted former two-time Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in the fourth round to defend his title from inside RAC Arena in Perth, Australia (watch highlights).
Immediately after the UFC 305 main event, former Middleweight champion and current Light Heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira posted on social media that he is planning a move down to 185 lbs one more time.
Du Plessis caught wind of Pereira’s future move and warned him to backtrack.
“I honestly don’t think Alex Pereira should drop down to 185 lbs. If he wants to, great, perfect,” Du Plessis told the media during the UFC 305 post-fight press conference (watch here). “But then we’re going to get the excuses. We saw Izzy stiff that man in the first round. I felt Izzy’s punching power tonight. You know, Izzy has great timing. He’s fast, he’s long, and he has great combinations, but I felt the power. If Izzy stiffens you like that, you do not want to be in there with me. Especially when you’re going to come in there with excuses like I cut too much weight, everyone is going to say that.”
“Stillknocks” instead recommended Pereira stay at Light Heavyweight, saying he would come up after he fights Sean Strickland.
While Pereira’s move back to Middleweight to avenge his biggest rival is fun in thought, “DDP” is completely correct. “Poatan” is healthy at Light Heavyweight and is currently the biggest star in UFC.
However, Du Plessis’ coach hopes UFC gives Pereira the shot.
Dricus Du Plessis’ head coach says they hope the UFC can make the Alex Pereira fight happen in December
“[Alex] is fighting in October. I really hope the UFC gives us this blessing for December.”
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— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 18, 2024
For complete UFC 305 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.