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Israel Adesanya opens as betting favorite to beat Dricus du Plessis in title grudge fight after UFC 297

Israel Adesanya opens as betting favorite to beat Dricus du Plessis after UFC 297 Off the back of UFC 297 overnight, former two-time divisional champion, Israel Adesanya has opened as a betting favorite…

Off the back of UFC 297 overnight, former two-time divisional champion, Israel Adesanya has opened as a betting favorite to beat newly-minted gold holder, Dricus du Plessis in the pair’s expected title grudge match next – amid a failed pairing last year.

Headlining UFC 297 overnight in Toronto, du Plessis landed the undisputed middleweight crown with a close, split decision win over common-foe, Sean Strickland – ending the outspoken gold holder’s title reign in his first attempted title defense.

As for Adesanya, the City Kickboxing staple has yet to make his return to the Octagon since he dropped his middleweight title to Strickland back in September of last year at UFC 293, in one of the biggest title fight upsets in the history of the promotion.

And missing out on an Octagon-side viewing at UFC 297 last night, Israel Adesanya, who opened as a betting favorite to beat du Plessis in a title fight last year – remains a distinct favorite to beat the newly-crowned champion should they share the Octagon before the end of the year.

With odds on a title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya set for an imminent release – the duo have been linked with a quickfire turnaround in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC 300 in April. And if fans are attending the monumental card in ‘Sin City’, some of the best slots and games can be found having been provided by Casino Analyzer – ahead of what promises to be a massive championship grudge match in 2024.

Becoming the first champion to lose his title twice in a calendar year with his decision loss to Strickland last September, Adesanya has remained entirely coy on his fighting future – in terms of a rematch with the former, or a title grudge match with du Plessis prior to UFC 297.

Israel Adesanya welcomes Dricus du Plessis battle after UFC 297

However, receiving a certain call out from the South African to rekindle their rivalry in a bid to settle it, Adesanya took to his official social media to address the prospect of a clash – appearing open to the possibility – having found himself continually linked with an impending return to combat sports competition, against a multitude of potential opponents.

“IS~RA~EL ADESANYA,” Israel Adesanya posted on his official X account. “This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching. We Write History.”

Speaking on the possibility himself of sharing the Octagon with Israel Adesanya in his first attempted title defense of the middleweight crown, du Plessis claimed he would be open to the chances of fighting the Nigerian-Kiwi at UFC 300 in April – as part of another addition to the already-stacked flagship card for the organization.

Facing-off with du Plessis in the Octagon at UFC 290 last July, then-champion, Adesanya was gearing up for a title offing with the Pretoria native, however, a lingering injury suffered prior to his title-eliminator win over common-opposition, Robert Whittaker ultimately ruled him from a September turnaround, with Strickland taking his place against Adesanya.

Israel Adesanya accepts call out from Dricus du Plessis after UFC 297 title win: ‘Our paths are destined to cross again’

Former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya appears to be all ears toward last night’s call out from rival and…

Former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya appears to be all ears toward last night’s call out from rival and newly-crowned divisional champion, Dricus du Plessis following UFC 297 – claiming the duo’s paths are “destined” to cross once more.

Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight titleholder, has been sidelined since he took main event honors at UFC 293 back in September, suffering his second championship loss in the space of a year, in the form of an upset decision loss to Sean Strickland in Australia.

And failing to appear at UFC 297 last night in Toronto, Adesanya was initially expected to feature at Octagon-side ahead of the main event bout, between Strickland and South African force, du Plessis.

Turning in a close, split judging win over Strickland, Pretoria native, du Plessis landed his first title victory since his move to the Octagon four years prior, retaining his promotional-perfect run to boot in a hard-fought five round clash with the champion.

And immediately switching focus to his first title defense in the immediate aftermath of his UFC 297 win, du Plessis urged City Kickboxing staple, Adesanya to make a hasty return to the Octagon – amid links to a quickfire turnaround on a monumental UFC 300 card in April.

Israel Adesanya welcomes Dricus du Plessis fight

Welcoming the opportunity to settle the score with du Plessis in a bid to become a three-time middleweight gold holder, Nigerian-Kiwi striker, Adesanya responded on social media.

Sharing the Octagon in a tense face-off back in July of last year following UFC 290 during International Fight Week, Adesanya’s planned September fight with du Plessis was scuppered after the latter was unable to recover from a lingering injury suffered pre-fight.

Who wins in a future championship fight: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?

Nate Diaz Throws Shade at Dricus Du Plessis’ Title-Winning Performance Against Sean Strickland at UFC 297

Nate Diaz was not impressed with the show that Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis delivered in their UFC…

Nate Diaz was not impressed with the show that Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis delivered in their UFC 297 headliner.

Emanating from the mysterious land of Toronto, Canada, Strickland put his middleweight world title on the line for the first time since claiming it with a brilliant performance against Israel Adesanya in September. This time around he was tasked with taking out a South African finisher who has yet to suffer defeat inside the Octagon.

Through five rounds of entertaining action, both fighters lit each other up with strikes and drew blood, but it was Du Plessis who seemed to have the upper hand, mixing up his strikes with a fair amount of grappling that stifled Strickland’s offense at times. Strickland poured it on in the fifth, presumably knowing he may be down on the scorecards, but in the end, it wasn’t enough, and ‘DDP’ was announced as the winner via split decision.

Though most fans were entertained by the evening’s headliner, particularly after the event’s lackluster co-main event, there was one former UFC star who was far from amused.

TUF alumnus Nate Diaz posted a single emoji on social media, summing up his take on Saturday’s title tilt.

Fans React to Nate Diaz’s Assessment of the UFC 297 Headliner

Fight fans on X did not appear to agree with Nate Diaz’s assessment of Strickland vs. Du Plessis, with many of them throwing shade at the aging journeyman.

“Nah cmon that was a great fight”

“way more entertaining than ur last 5 fights bum”

“Get in there one more time”

“We have watched many of your fights and you have had quite a few like this”

“C’mon Nate, that was a good fight”

“Must of been watching your boxing performance against Paul again.”

“Better than you v leon”

“you were never champ journeyman”

“You are just hating bro! Go smoke marijuana and get some sleep brother.”

“you’re washed bro”

After 15 years of competing for the UFC, Nate Diaz walked away from the promotion to pursue some opportunities outside of the Octagon. Less than a year into free agency, the ‘Stockton Samurai’ signed on the dotted line for a boxing match with Jake Paul. Diaz lost the bout via unanimous decision.

He hasn’t booked a return to the ring or the cage as of yet, but recent rumors suggest that Diaz is gearing up for a boxing match with former UFC title challenger Jorge Masvidal under the Gamebred Boxing Banner.

Dricus Du Plessis Ready to ‘Settle The Score’ with Israel Adesanya Following UFC 297 Title Victory

Dricus Du Plessis is your new UFC middleweight champion. Emanating from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, UFC 297…

Dricus Du Plessis is your new UFC middleweight champion.

Emanating from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, UFC 297 delivered a memorable main-event matchup between defending titleholder Sean Strickland and the South African standout. As things got underway, Strickland lit up ‘DDP’ with his signature jab. The same one that caused a plethora of problems for Israel Adesanya last year. However, Du Plessis fared much better than ‘The Last Stylebender’ by mixing up his attacks on the feet before shooting in for takedowns.

Though ‘Stillknocks’ was unable to keep Strickland on the canvas for long, the threat of the takedown was enough to put the outspoken superstar on his back foot long enough for Du Plessis to take control of the third and fourth rounds. Strickland poured it on in the final five minutes, but by then, it just wasn’t enough.

‘DDP’ walked away with the win and his first UFC title via split decision.

Following the contest, Du Plessis spoke with Daniel Cormier during his post-fight interview where he broke down his performance and what he believes ultimately earned him the 185-pound crown.

“I honestly thought with the takedowns, I made sure on every round,” Du Plessis said of his performance. “I could feel it was a close fight. I felt that he gets up really well. I felt the first three rounds was give and take but those last two rounds I know. I was there for rounds four and five. Who says this guy’s not a five round fighter?

“He has a super, super strong jab. It feels like somebody hits you with a rock. It was imperative that I make him go backwards. If I’m pressuring with this physique, I promise you’re going to get tired. Sean Strickland, you said to death, I tried to kill you in here tonight, didn’t quite get there but you are one hell of a man. Thank you for bringing the best out of me. It was an honor sharing the cage with you.”

Before exiting the Octagon to go celebrate with his family, Du Plessis called out Israel Adesanya.

“Israel Adesanya, get your ass back in the UFC so we can settle the score,” Du Plessis shouted while addressing the former middleweight champion.

Following Du Plessis’ second-round knockout of Robert Whittaker in July, Adesanya entered the cage for an intense face-off with ‘Stillknocks’ that quickly became uncomfortable. ‘DDP’ was slated to fight the ‘Stylebender’ in September 2023, but the eight-week turnaround was too soon for Du Plessis to accept the fight, paving the way for Strickland to step in and shock the world.

With ‘DDP’ now carrying the gold, we could finally see Du Plessis and Adesanya settle their issues inside the Octagon.

Khamzat Chimaev Reacts to Dricus Du Plessis’ Middleweight Title Win at UFC 297: ‘It’s My Time Now’

It didn’t take long for Khamzat Chimaev to chime in following the arrival of a new middleweight world champion….

It didn’t take long for Khamzat Chimaev to chime in following the arrival of a new middleweight world champion.

On Saturday night, Dricus Du Plessis scored the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, earning a split decision victory over Sean Strickland to claim the 185-pound title at UFC 297 in Toronto. As is the case every time we are presented with a new UFC champion, fight fans online immediately begin to ask the question — what’s next?

It’s a query entirely too early for anyone to answer, but if things go his way, Khamzat Chimaev will be the first man to challenge ‘Stillknocks’ for his shiny new chunk of gold. ‘Borz’ took to social media moments after Du Plessis’ hand was raised, suggesting that a fight between the two should go down at the promotion’s next landmark event on April 13.

Chimaev followed that up with a short video putting the new middleweight titleholder on notice.

Is Khamzat Chimaev Next in Line?

Khamzat Chimaev’s last appearance inside the Octagon came in October when the promotion returned to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294. Originally scheduled to face Paulo Costa, ‘Borz’ instead squared off with short-notice replacement opponent Kamaru Usman. Chimaev walked away with a majority decision victory against the former welterweight champ. That extended his undefeated record to 13-0 and had him once again calling for a title opportunity.

With UFC 300 less than three months away, it’s unlikely that the Dricus Du Plessis will be willing to make the quick turnaround for such a fight. Unless, of course, the UFC backs up a dump truck full of cash to his front door.

The likelier scenario is that ‘DDP’ will put his title on the line against Israel Adesanya when ‘The Last Stylebender’ makes his return to the Octagon, rumored to be sometime in the summer of 2024. But as we all already know, anything is possible in MMA.

Does Khamzat Chimaev deserve the first shot at Du Plessis’ middleweight title, or is ‘DDP’ vs. Adesanya the fight to make?

Dricus Du Plessis Outworks Sean Strickland, Captures Middleweight Title via Split Decision – UFC 297 Highlights

The UFC has a new middleweight world champion and his name is Dricus Du Plessis. After scoring six straight…

The UFC has a new middleweight world champion and his name is Dricus Du Plessis.

After scoring six straight victories, ‘Stillknocks’ stepped into his first main event at UFC 297 on Saturday night against the promotion’s unlikely 185-pound king, Sean Strickland. As expected, Strickland put his jab on display early, lighting up Du Plessis in the opening round and causing some damage to the South African’s left eye. Strickland also did a fantastic job of checking the all-important leg kicks that ‘DDP’ often uses to set up his brutal body attacks.

Needing to make some adjustments in the second stanza, Du Plessis put his wrestling skills to use, dragging Strickland down to the canvas multiple times. Though ‘DDP’ was unable to keep Strickland on the canvas for long, it appeared to be sapping the champ’s energy as the fight moved into the later rounds.

Strickland turned up the heat in the fifth and final round, but not before giving up the third and fourth rounds to Du Plessis on two of the three judges’ scorecards. That ultimately made all the difference after the 25-minute affair was in the books.

Official Result: Dricus Du Plessis def. Sean Strickland via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) to win the UFC middleweight world championship.

Interestingly, fight fans on Verdict were not entirely in agreement with the judges, favoring Strickland by the narrowest of margins.

The Verdict Scorecard shows how close Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis was.

Rounds 2 & 3 were almost dead even.

It was close, but Strickland had the higher final score.#UFC297 pic.twitter.com/ofrRhCgc2d

— Verdict (@VerdictMMA) January 21, 2024

Check Out Highlights From Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297:

sean strickland/dricus du plessis final minute #ufc297 pic.twitter.com/suw0Az4mmb

— ? (@2MANYBRIDGES) January 21, 2024