Dricus Du Plessis Raises Concern Over Israel Adesanya’s Return After Uncharacteristic Gesture for Former UFC Champ- “Now I Think He…”

Dricus Du Plessis is prepared to take on the current middleweight champion but has he forgotten the former one? The answer is no. In fact, Du Plessis remembers Israel Adesanya‘s reign very well and has some advice for the fighter, too. After his devastating loss against Sean Strickland, Adesanya is on the sidelines. But for how long?

The former champ has spoken about making a comeback in the year 2027. How much of it was a joke and how much serious, we do not know. However, if Adesanya really meant it, it’s nothing but trouble for himself, according to Du Plessis. Check out what he had to say in a recent video.

Dricus Du Plessis chimes in on Adesanya’s return

It’s no secret that Israel Adesanya loves fighting. He loves it so much that before losing his title, he’d step inside the Octagon multiple times a year. Perhaps one of the most active champions there have ever been, Adesanya needs a break, and he needs it now. But for how long? According to Du Plessis, 2027 is way too much.

“As a champion, he showed up. He didn’t shy away from fights,” he said in a recent interview with James Lynch. “He fought everybody, some people twice. He was very active as a champion and now I think he deserves some time away from the sport. He said 2027. If he comes back in 2027, he’s gonna get hurt. He shouldn’t do that but . . . maybe take a year off, that’ll be good for him.”

Du Plessis makes a brilliant point. Israel Adesanya held the middleweight title from 2019 to 2022 and in this time, he defended his title five times. That is no small feat. Most fighters might want to play it safe after winning the title by fighting perhaps only once each year but not him.

Now, ‘Izzy’ has lost his crown. But fans doubt if he’s lost his spirit too.  “2027. Look for the return. I’ll see you then.” He joked in a very short interview. It’s most likely that he will return much sooner than that. However, a break is a big must for the fighter who’s been torn down by Sean Strickland.

Du Plessis vs. Strickland holds promise

Now, Dricus Du Plessis is meant to go up against Sean Strickland at UFC 297. This main event fight for the title will likely keep the audience engaged for its entirety. Strickland took Adesanya’s belt from him and has been riding that high for a while. In Du Plessis, he has perhaps the most eligible challenger.

Also Read: Israel Adesanya Describes Drake’s Son’s Song in 3 Words a Month After Making Canadian Star Half a Million Poor

The fight will go down on the 21st of January 2024. It will take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Canada. As cold as it gets there during the winters, will Strickland’s defense be even colder? He defeated ‘The Last Stylebender’ before, but with Du Plessis, his challenge is different. It remains to be seen who comes out on top. Who is your pick for the winner?

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