Dricus du Plessis is open to a rematch with Sean Strickland but believes Robert Whittaker, who he deems more deserving due to his recent impressive victories, should be next in line for a middleweight title shot.
Dricus du Plessis is open to defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in a rematch of their January showdown. However, he believes another former opponent deserves the opportunity more.
Du Plessis stopped Israel Adesanya in the fourth round of Saturday’s UFC 305 main event in Perth. Before the bout, UFC CEO Dana White mentioned that Strickland would be next for the winner. At the post-fight press conference, du Plessis was asked about facing Strickland again and if their trash talk would get personal.
“I don’t know,” du Plessis said. “Does he want to cry again?”
Middleweight is currently packed with stars and talent. In a massive fight at UFC 308 in October, Robert Whittaker will face Khamzat Chimaev in a five-round co-main event. This will be Whittaker’s third fight of 2024 after beating Paulo Costa at UFC 298 via unanimous decision in February and then stopping Ikram Aliskerov in the first round at UFC Saudi Arabia in June.
Du Plessis shared his thoughts on who deserves the next shot at his 185-pound title. He sided with the man he defeated at UFC 290 in July 2023 to earn his championship opportunity.
“Robert Whittaker,” du Plessis stated. “Robert Whittaker deserves the shot. I think he’s being done over. Whittaker beat Costa.”
“Sean Strickland’s only saving grace is the fact he went to decision with me. That’s it. Robert Whittaker beat Costa in a more spectacular fashion, I believe, than Strickland did. Then Whittaker steps up to fight Khamzat, [Chimaev] pulls out, Whittaker fights a nobody in the sense of [Aliskerov] is not in the rankings; he can only lose, and it’s a great fighter. Ikram is an amazing fighter; he’s really good. Whittaker makes it look like he’s fighting an amateur.”
“And what does he get for it? Nothing. Then says, ‘OK, I’ll fight Khamzat again.’ So if he beats Khamzat, do you not give him the title shot? He’s getting the short end of the stick, unfortunately. That’s not on me. I’ll fight whoever. Strickland’s the fight everyone wants to see, but Whittaker is the one being done over, in my opinion. He’s more deserving, but life’s not fair.”