Sean Strickland recently delivered one of the biggest upsets in UFC Middleweight history. Crowning himself as the new Middleweight champion, ‘Tarzan’ beat former champ Israel Adesanya to take the title home. And things have never been the same.

But there’s one ‘Izzy’ rival who seems to have been waiting for this narrative to unfold. Guess what? ‘The Stylebender’s arch-rival Dricus Du Plessis just gave his unfiltered take on Adesanya’s loss to ‘Tarzan’ – and what it means for him. ‘Stillknocks’ has laid out a pre-set plan for achieving his aim – Middleweight gold. But what’s ‘Izzy’s ‘real African’ rival saying about his plans to manifest his dream? Let’s hear it from the man himself.

Dricus Du Plessis makes his intentions clear for a potential clash with Israel Adesanya

Dricus Du Plessis was recently featured on the MMA Hour hosted by Ariel Helwani. During their discussion, the duo delved into the brewing Middleweight narrative and what it means for ‘Stillknocks.’ But Du Plessis didn’t mince his words – while laying out his plans for a potential clash with the former Middleweight champ. So, what’s he saying?

In a clear and resolute statement, Dricus Du Plessis made his priorities crystal clear. He emphasized that his primary focus revolves around one coveted item—the Middleweight championship belt. The South African fighter declared that he indeed desires a clash with Israel Adesanya, but not as passionately as he desires to grasp the championship belt for himself. ‘Stillknocks’ revealed, “The belt is what interests me and after that, we can do the [Israel Adesanya] fight.”

Du Plessis went on to make a promise, one that set his intentions in stone. He pledged that once he secures the Middleweight belt, Israel Adesanya would be his first defense—without a shadow of a doubt. Arguing the same, he added: “Right now Sean Strickland has the gold. I want to fight Israel Adesanya, but not as bad as I want to fight for the belt. So I’ll make the promise that when I win that belt, he’ll be the first defense – 100 percent! But right now, Israel Adesanya is irrelevant to me. Right now the guy with the title is relevant to me.”

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This unwavering commitment underscores his determination to prove himself as a champion before revisiting his rivalry with Adesanya. But what are his aspirations for the future?

Dricus Du Plessis has set his sights only on one goal

The message is clear: right now, Israel Adesanya stands as an irrelevant figure in Du Plessis’ journey. The only individual who commands his full attention and focus is the current titleholder, Sean Strickland. Du Plessis is unambiguous in his aspiration—to face the man with the gold and emerge victorious.

‘Stillknocks’ concludes his confession, declaring: “All of my focus is on the guy with the title[Sean Strickland] – and that’s the guy I want to fight with.”

As Dricus Du Plessis maps out his middleweight journey, he leaves no room for ambiguity. While a clash with Israel Adesanya remains a tantalizing prospect, it is the championship belt that fuels his aspirations at this juncture. His declaration showcases his unwavering focus on becoming a champion first and foremost. The echoes of his promise to face Adesanya in the future resonate with his determination to make his mark on the division.

The Middleweight division is undergoing a transformation, and Du Plessis is determined to carve his path to glory by taking on the man holding the gold, Sean Strickland. What do you think? Will Du Plessis be able to get his wishes fulfilled? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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