A flurry of changes has occurred in the UFC middleweight division since reigning champion Israel Adesanya raised eyebrows by speculating that Khamzat Chimaev may be the next contender for the title. Objections were raised by the trainer of another contender, Dricus du Plessis.
At UFC 293 in Sydney, the stage was set for du Plessis to threaten Adesanya’s throne. But Du Plessis had to withdraw at the last minute due to a foot ailment. Therefore, Adesanya will now face Sean Strickland to defend his title.
Fighting fans are also talking about the ascent of Chimaev, who is seen as a contender as well by the champion.
Israel Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, voiced displeasure at Dricus du Plessis’ withdrawal from the title shot.
Morne Visser, the trainer of du Plessis, responded quickly by reiterating his fighter’s position as the best in the world and claiming that a title shot was unavoidable.
Visser addressed Berman: “Eugene, our fighters fought on the same card at UFC 276 on July 2nd 2022. Don’t let your FEAR cloud your judgment, Eugene. Dricus is the number 1 contender and Izzy is going to have to fight him, afraid or not. Look, I understand, I would also be afraid to fight Dricus with Izzy, but he’s going to have to or retire. Either or we will be ready to take the belt from who ever has it.” an article from sportskeeda.com mentioned.
Dricus du Plessis has also criticised Israel Adesanya’s “clownish conduct” and questioned his status as a champion.
By defeating former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July, Dricus du Plessis won a huge victory that shocked the MMA community. ‘”Stillknocks”, as du Plessis is called — then had a heated conversation with Israel Adesanya.
It had fans and experts buzzing with anticipation about a possible showdown.