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via Imago
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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-4-1-89.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
Dricus Du Plessis was left bitter from the idea of a rematch for the title. Israel Adesanya was defeated in what’s being called a major upset and lost his middleweight championship title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. Now, UFC CEO Dana White seems to be leaning toward a rematch between the two, and ‘Stillknocks’ is not happy.
At UFC 281, Alex Pereira knocked the title out of Adesanya’s hands, and ‘Izzy‘ instantly got a rematch shot. He reclaimed the title at UFC 287 and now it looks like history is about to be repeated. Fans aren’t oblivious to Du Plessis’s soreness. The fighter has waited for long for a title shot and it’s devastating to know that he might not get it now. A bunch of fans showed up to tweet out their opinion.
Fans react to Dricus Du Plessis’ frustration
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During the MMA Hour show, the 29-year-old fighter told Ariel Helwani that he felt ‘Izzy’ should earn his title shot back and not just get it spoonfed to him. Fans assembled in comment sections to either support Adesanya or tear down ‘Stillknocks‘ with logic.
Izzy has earned everything. He's been one of the most active champions fighting through injuries fighting the best guys in the division and been great for the sport.
— Ali G (@fractals42) September 13, 2023
I agree that Izzy shouldn’t get the next shot, but lapping the division isn’t earning it? Being extremely active isn’t earning it? Izzy should get a shot after the next title fight
— Combat’s Badboys (@combatsbadboys) September 13, 2023
Izzy is one of the few guys that deserves it simply because of how active of a champ he is
— THY SHADOWS🟢⚪️⚫️ (@prestonwaza15) September 14, 2023
I don’t particularly like Izzy and I don’t like instant rematches but if anyone has earned it it’s him he lapped the division and stayed super active doing it
— Norris Dixon (@NorrisDixon5) September 13, 2023
There was a hoard of fans rooting for ‘The Last Stylebender.’ Even though some admitted that an immediate title shot was unreasonable, they maintained that if anyone deserved it, it was Adesanya. He is consistently one of the most active fighters in the UFC today. Should the fighter take more breaks to win better? Some agree and some don’t. In the meantime, Du Plessis supporters showed up too.
Agreed. Dricus vs Izzy for a shot at Sean. 🔥
— Andrew Ruiz (@then_there_was) September 13, 2023
This is the best situation. A Dricus Izzy fight would have some pretty heated build up too.
— Simon (@SJS_MNiML) September 14, 2023
1/3 in his last 3, his performance against sean that night shouldn't be rewarded. One win outside a title fight and then he can go for it again
— wsg🇵🇭 (@whoiskkej) September 13, 2023
Real talk, I mean he’s 1-2 in last 3 fights lost title twice, stopped first time, dominated the second time. Whether I like DDP or not, he’s got a point.
— NO RELATION TO STEVIE (@rodgewonder) September 14, 2023
Du Plessis makes an interesting point. It’s also not great for Adesanya to not take breaks after such brutal fights. More importantly, to maintain the dignity of the sport, letting other fighters get a title shot is justified. This might not be happening and so the limelight will remain on ‘The Stylebender’ even in his loss.
What does Du Plessis think of the situation?
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The South African fighter wants justice for himself and other fighters. A rematch means other fighters who have their eyes set on the title will have to wait longer than they should have to. This line in the division also includes Du Plessis.
“[Jared] Cannonier makes more sense. And then of course, there’s one guy with No. 1 next to his name, the guy that beat Robert Whittaker, and that’s me,” he told Helwani. “The way I see this is I’m fighting Sean Strickland, I’m beating him, and the roles will be reversed. I’ll be the champion and ‘Izzy’ will be the challenger.”
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Some fans think that ‘Stillknocks’ is understandably upset with the rematch idea. So far Dana White has shown strong interest in a rematch but hasn’t confirmed anything. Unfortunately for the fans, a Du Plessis Vs. ‘Izzy’ match isn’t happening anytime soon. In his last match, he defeated Robert Whittaker in the second round with a knockout. The fighter clearly wants to knock out the former champion too. The wait may be long, but is it worth it? It looks like Du Plessis won’t have much of a choice.
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