Du Plessis Warned About Not Taking His Title Shot Against Adesanya

Dricus Du Plessis has been warned that he may not get a title shot with Israel Adesanya if he doesn’t play ball. 

Following Du Plessis’ win over Robert Whittaker, the former faced off with Adesanya in the cage. Therefore, there were suggestions that it was only a matter of time before they squared off against each other.

However, the fight never got made due to Du Plessis’ foot problem. In addition, the short turnaround time meant that the South African could not make the September 9th, 2023, date.

Although Sean Strickland has stepped in to get his title shot, Chael Sonnen urged Du Plessis to attend the fight in the hope of keeping the hype around the bout alive. 

Du Plessis’ Title Shot

“Israel has told Du Plessis, ‘You need to be here. Step number one, you need to come here and you need to be here.’ … He’s not joking about that. If he’s in the cage and he looks out and there’s no Du Plessis, who did not do the one thing that Izzy told him you need to do, I don’t think he’s gonna call him out… If Du Plessis doesn’t go, I do not believe he’s going to be part of the story… if he doesn’t show up, I think it’s gonna be a problem. And I’m not convinced he is gonna show,” Sonnen 

Nevertheless, Adesanya must not look past Strickland. The latter is keen to cause an upset in that it would be his first ever world title. After all, he is on a two-fight-win streak. Therefore, the MMA star is in a positive mindset.

“When I walk in that f—ing cage … I want to go and win that belt for you guys. And I want to bring some pride back to the middleweight division. I’ve got what it takes. I’m ready. I’m up for it,” Strickland said 

And since Adesanya is one of the cash cows in the UFC, a win would elevate his profile to a whole other level. And there is no getting away from that. 

You can stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of boxing and MMA by visiting boxingblitz right here.