Report – Israel Adesanya targeted to headline UFC 305 in Perth in title grudge fight with Dricus du Plessis

Israel Adesanya targeted to headline UFC 305 in Perth title fight with Dricus du PlessisWith the Octagon officially set to return to Perth, Australia on August 18. for a flagship UFC 305 event,…

Israel Adesanya targeted to headline UFC 305 in Perth title fight with Dricus du Plessis

With the Octagon officially set to return to Perth, Australia on August 18. for a flagship UFC 305 event, former undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya is reportedly targeted to headline the card in a long-anticipated title grudge fight against current gold holder, Dricus du Plessis. 

Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight champion under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined since he dropped his crown to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 back in September of last year in a return to Sydney.

Israel Adesanya vows to bring back vicious technique in UFC return I'm tuning it up
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And as for du Plessis, the South African gold holder maintained his unbeaten record in the UFC back in January in a trip to Canada, dethroning the above-mentioned, Strickland in a close, split decision win over the North American.

Dricus Du Plessis

Israel Adesanya expected to feature at UFC 305 in August

According to a report from the New Zealand Herald this morning, UFC 305 is officially set for August 18. in Perth, Australia – with the organization expected to explore the possibility of hosting a championship fight between du Plessis and Adesanya in a main event matchup.

Furthermore, Israel Adesanya’s head coach, Eugene Bareman confirmed to the outlet that his product expects to compete for gold in his next fight, having seen a targeted clash with du Plessis failed to materialize for UFC 300 in April.

“Israel will be fighting for the title next,” Bareman said. “The date, I’m not sure. Give us a date and we’ll take it. We’re sitting ready to go.”

“Israel’s pretty adamant that he has to fight for the title,” Bareman explained. “It’s not up to du Plessis. If that was the case, I wish Israel as a champion had those sorts of choices. The truth is, he probably doesn’t.”

Israel Adesanya claims coach prevented him from going out on his shield against Sean Strickland

A return at UFC 305 in Perth for Adesanya would see the Nigerian-Kiwi make a return to the region to compete for the first time since he made his Octagon debut back in 2018, earning a Performance of the Night bonus in a second round TKO win against Rob Wilkinson.

Who wins in a title fight at UFC 305: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Dricus du Plessis urges Israel Adesanya to fight him in UFC title grudge match next: ‘Be a man of your word, and let’s do it’

Dricus du Plessis taunts Israel Adesanya into UFC title fight be a man of your word and let's do thisDricus du Plessis wants only one name in his return to the Octagon later this year, urging Israel Adesanya…

Dricus du Plessis taunts Israel Adesanya into UFC title fight be a man of your word and let's do this

Dricus du Plessis wants only one name in his return to the Octagon later this year, urging Israel Adesanya to stand opposite him in a championship grudge match – claiming the City Kickboxing staple must be a man of his word and clash with him.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight titleholder, has been sidelined since January, striking Octagon gold with a close, contentious split decision win over common-opponent, Sean Strickland in the pair’s main event fight at UFC 297 in Canada.

As for Adesanya, the Nigerian-Kiwi has been sidelined since he suffered a one-sided decision defeat of his own against massive betting underdog, Strickland back in September of last year at UFC 293 – in one of the biggest upset losses in the promotion’s antiquity. 

Dricus Du Plessis

Rejecting the opportunity to headline UFC 300 next month as part of a monumental card in Las Vegas, du Plessis revealed a string of lingering injuries forced his decision to reject a bout agreement, questioning why he would enter training camp compromised. 

Dricus du Plessis calls for Israel Adesanya to meet him next

And furthermore, du Plessis reminded Adesanya that he now owns the middleweight crown – and any potential pairing must come on his terms, not the City Kickboxing staples.

Israel Adesanya claims he won't fight Dricus du Plessis at UFC 293 his foot is sore
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

“So, you claim you want to drag my carcass around in South Africa, as you said,” Dricus du Plessis said during an appearance on Hustlers Corner. “So, be a man of your word, and let’s do it.” 

“We are trying,” Dricus du Plessis explained. “We are talking, definitely. That’s what the people want to see, and that’s what I want to do. I want to fight the best guys. This is an entertaining sport.” 

Israel Adesanya claims Dricus du Plessis turned down UFC 300 title fight they didn't want it

Seeing a September title fight with Adesanya scuppered through more lingering injuries, Pretoria native, du Plessis earner his championship clash against Strickland with a blistering second round TKO win over former undisputed divisional champion, Robert Whittaker.

Who wins in a title fight later this year: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Sean Strickland argues for title fight rematch with UFC star Dricus du Plessis: ‘That needs to be run back’

Sean Strickland argues for title rematch with Dricus du Plessis that needs to be run backFormer undisputed middleweight champion, Sean Strickland insists he wants no part of the politics within the title picture at…

Sean Strickland argues for title rematch with Dricus du Plessis that needs to be run back

Former undisputed middleweight champion, Sean Strickland insists he wants no part of the politics within the title picture at 185 pounds off the back of his UFC 297 loss to Dricus du Plessis earlier this year, however, claims he should be the next to stand opposite the former in an immediate title rematch.

Strickland, a former undisputed middleweight champion, headlined UFC 297 back in January in  Canada, suffering a close, split decision loss to newly-minted gold holder, du Plessis in the pair’s championship battle. 

Dricus Du Plessis

Retaining the number one ranked at middleweight in the months since his loss, outspoken ex-champion, Strickland has been linked with a title-eliminator against another former gold holder, Robert Whittaker in Perth – potentially in August, however, has yet to be booked since his defeat to the South African. 

Sean Strickland stakes claim for UFC title rematch

Voicing his concern at a targeted title grudge match between du Plessis and would-be common-foe, Israel Adesanya later this year, Strickland argues that he should be the next challenger to the throne.

Sean Strickland closing as betting favorite to beat Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 in Canada
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“You know I don’t care about fight politics or a belt but it makes me laugh they give Izzy (Israel Adesanya) a rematch to Alex (Pereira) after getting slept,” Sean Strickland posted on his official X account. “I lost a close decision that Dana (White) himself thought I won. Everyone did. The stats did. That needs to be run back.” 

Initially winning the title back in September of last year at UFC 293, Strickland turned in one of the biggest upset victories in Octagon memory in a one-sided unanimous decision win over the above-mentioned, Adesanya

LowKick MMA Awards 2023 Fighter of the Year Sean Strickland
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Suffering a title loss to du Plessis in his immediate title fight defense, Strickland’s reign was lamented by former foe, Kamaru Usman, who admitted he regrets not moving to middleweight in search of a championship rematch with him.

Who wins in a title fight rematch: Dricus du Plessis or Sean Strickland?

Dricus du Plessis eyes 205 pound move, chases title fight: ‘We’ve seen Alex Pereira get hurt a lot’

Dricus du Plessis eyes light heavyweight move chases title fight We've seen Alex Pereira get hurt a lotDricus du Plessis has admitted plans to make a move to the light heavyweight limit in the not-so-distant future,…

Dricus du Plessis eyes light heavyweight move chases title fight We've seen Alex Pereira get hurt a lot

Dricus du Plessis has admitted plans to make a move to the light heavyweight limit in the not-so-distant future, but first plans to build up a credible winning run at his middleweight stomping grounds.

du Plessis, the current undisputed UFC middleweight champion, most recently headlined back in January of this year in Canada, turning in a close, split decision win over Sean Strickland to snatch the divisional title

And linked with a return at UFC 300 in April, South African force, du Plessis admitted that a turnaround so soon to face former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya simply was not feasible for him – given he’s still carrying a string of injuries and bumps suffered in his January main event.

Welcoming the possibility of fighting light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira – who headlines UFC 300, in fact, du Plessis wants to extend his winning run at middleweight first and foremost, particularly since he minted himself as divisional gold holder.

“Everybody wants to be a double champ, I understand that,” Dricus du Plessis said during a sitdown interview with Cameron Saaiman. “But, I am willing to say, ‘Okay, if there’s people left to fight, if [Robert] Whittaker just keeps on beating everybody, who am I going to fight?”

Dricus du Plessis previews Alex Pereira fight at UFC 300

And dissecting potential incoming foe, Pereira’s headlining title affair with former champion, Jamahal Hill next month in Las Vegas, du Plessis urged fans and viewers to prepare themselves for the possibility that the Brazilian is toppled – due to the apparent fact he gets “hurt” more than often.

“That’s an incredible fight,” Dricus du Plessis said of Alex Pereira’s clash with Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. “That’s a good fight. You have this – both strikers – but you have one guy who’s such a clinical striker then you have this guy that he just fires and he throws bombs. Listen, if Jamahal Hill knocks out Alex Pereira, I will not be surprised.”

“We’ve seen Alex Pereira get hurt a lot,” du Plessis explained. “I don’t think Jamahal Hill needs to make it a dog fight. If he’s going to stand in range and get kicked the whole time, Alex Pereira’s just going to lead his legs then it’s over.”

Israel Adesanya claims he won't fight Dricus du Plessis at UFC 293 his foot is sore
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Admitting he’s not necessarily rushing a return to land a grudge fight with City Kickboxing striker ace, Adesanya later this year, du Plessis warned the former two-time champion that a long overdue clash between the two will come definitely on his terms, given the fact he now finds himself strapped with gold.

Would you like to see Dricus du Plessis fight Alex Pereira in the future?

Dricus du Plessis claims injury axed fight with Israel Adesanya at UFC 300: ‘Why would I risk it?’

Dricus du Plessis claims injury axed UFC 300 title fight with Israel Adesanya why would I risk itUndisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has revealed an outstanding injury from his January title win over Sean Strickland…

Dricus du Plessis claims injury axed UFC 300 title fight with Israel Adesanya why would I risk it

Undisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has revealed an outstanding injury from his January title win over Sean Strickland has ruled him from a UFC 300 grudge fight against Israel Adesanya – questioning why he would enter a training camp while compromised.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight titleholder, most recently headlined UFC 297 back in January in Canada, landing the divisional crown with a close split decision win over the aforementioned common-foe, Strickland.

And immediately calling for a title fight defense with former two-time middleweight champion, Adesanya, South African favorite, du Plessis suggested the pair settle their long-standing differences at UFC 300 in April.

Responding to the new champion’s call out, Adesanya revealed that despite agreeing to an offer from the promotion to headline UFC 300 against du Plessis, the Pretoria native shut down the potential clash.

Dricus du Plessis reveals UFC 300 title fiasco

Confirming his decision to avoid a UFC 300 return next month in Las Vegas, du Plessis questioned why he would enter training camp whilst carrying an injury.

“With the conversations of [UFC] 300, that would’ve been a massive fight with me and Izzy (Israel Adesanya),” Dricus du Plessis whilst speaking with Cameron Saaiman It was on the table, 100 percent, but one thing people don’t realize is why would I go and start a camp once again, injured, if I am the champion? Taking risks is one thing, I have been taking risks, a lot, but why would I risk?”

“I’m the champion now, and I can fight when I’m ready,” Dricus du Plessis explained. “I think Izzy misjudges himself as still being a champion, and he’s not.” 

Do you think Dricus du Plessis fights Israel Adesanya this year?

Israel Adesanya claims Dricus du Plessis turned down UFC 300 title grudge fight: ‘His side didn’t want it’

Israel Adesanya claims Dricus du Plessis turned down UFC 300 title fight they didn't want itAmid recent claims from City Kickboxing teammate, Dan Hooker regarding his planned involvement in a monstrous UFC 300 card…

Israel Adesanya claims Dricus du Plessis turned down UFC 300 title fight they didn't want it

Amid recent claims from City Kickboxing teammate, Dan Hooker regarding his planned involvement in a monstrous UFC 300 card later this year, former middleweight kingpin, Israel Adesanya has claimed arch-rival, Dricus du Plessis and his team rejected an offer to fight him on the pay-per-view card in April.

Adesanya, a former two-time titleholder at the middleweight limit, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 293 back in September of last year, where he dropped the championship in a shocking upset defeat to Sean Strickland.

The defeat came as Adesanya’s second in his three most recent Octagon walks, while he also set an unwanted record as the first fighter in the promotion’s history to lose a championship twice in the space of a calendar year. 

And linked with a championship return against Pretoria native, du Plessis ever since the South African’s ascension to the throne at UFC 297 back in January, Nigerian-Kiwi striker, Adesanya had been linked with a headlining bout atop UFC 300 in April against the newly-minted gold holder.

However, earlier this month, UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed how light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira – an arch-foe of Adesanya would be headlining the monumental card in a title fight against former gold holder, Jamahal Hill.

Israel Adesanya claims he was set to headline UFC 300

As far as Adesanya is concerned, however, initial plans were set for him to fight du Plessis in the main event of UFC 300, until the latter’s team rejected the bout, according to the former.

“There’s some things that were meant to happen,” Israel Adesanya told Theo Von during a recent interview. “They [the UFC] summoned me – they summoned me – I’m sure this is out there, and Eugene (Bareman) said some stuff. But they summoned me, they summoned me for [UFC] 300. And I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s roll’. But, their side didn’t want it.”

“So I was like, ‘Well, f*ck it, I’m just going to keep’ – yeah, they didn’t want it,” Israel Adesanya explained. “They just fought (Sean) Strickland, so, maybe he [Dricus du Plessis[ had a little niggling injury and stuff. But, hey, we all got niggles and whatnot. But I’ve fought injured for the last how many fights? So, that’s why I took time off, just to let my body heal. And it has healed, and I’m sure there’ll be more injuries – it just happens when you’re training, when you do what we’re doing.

Do you think Israel Adesanya fights Dricus du Plessis this year?