At one point, the oddsmakers may have had reason to doubt UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, even though they didn’t know it. It was over a year ago when he was preparing to face former UFC champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. Du Plessis was facing the biggest fight of his career, and little did anyone know, he had torn the ligaments in his ankle just 18 days before the fight.
Despite the injury, du Plessis was determined to go through with the fight. His coach had a solid game plan to exploit Whittaker’s weaknesses, and du Plessis believed in his ability to win, even without the full use of his foot. And win he did, shocking Whittaker with a second-round knockout.
Although a title fight with Adesanya seemed imminent, du Plessis chose to decline the quick turnaround due to his injury. This decision led to Sean Strickland stepping in and defeating Adesanya, setting the stage for du Plessis to eventually claim the belt.
Now, du Plessis is set to face Adesanya for the title at UFC 305 in Perth. Despite his success, du Plessis once again finds himself as the underdog in betting odds. However, he remains unfazed, knowing that the fight outcome is not determined by odds.
The upcoming fight with Adesanya has a personal edge, with Adesanya criticizing du Plessis for his remarks about being the first African-born UFC champion. This adds a layer of intensity to the matchup, making it a final boss-like challenge for du Plessis.
If du Plessis can defeat Adesanya and defend his title, he will solidify his position as a legitimate champion and silence the doubters. The narrative of his awkward style and constant winning streak may change, paving the way for a new era in the middleweight division.
As du Plessis gears up to face Adesanya once again, the energy and determination he exudes indicate his readiness to keep his title at all costs. The showdown between the two fighters promises to be intense, with both men vying for supremacy in the octagon.