After Dricus Du Plessis’ recent triumph over a returning Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 last month, he immediately expressed his interest in moving up to light heavyweight in order to challenge Alex Pereira for the 205lb title.
It can’t be overlooked that a victory for “Stillknocks” at 205 could potentially thrust him into double champ status if “Poatan” is able to successfully defend his title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307.
Alex Pereira Shuts Down Dricus du Plessis’ Double Champ Status
A post on Instagram from Pereira has seemingly shut down that opportunity for Du Plessis, declaring his own intentions to cut back down to 185 lbs to regain the middleweight title “regardless” of what happens at UFC 307.
“I’m focused on my next fight and I’m going prepared but you never know what can happen , so regardless of the result I want to go down one more time to the middleweight and go for the belt. Hey Dricus, bring your will to fight me so you can prove that you are better than me, with your public statement it is easy to make this happen, Chama 🔥”
-Alex Pereira via Instagram
Pereira has assembled an impressive resume in his relatively short time with the UFC. Perhaps most notably the feat of acquiring undisputed titles in two separate weight classes.
Though, after relinquishing the middleweight title to Israel Adesanya just before making his move up to light heavyweight; he has yet to hold them both at the same time.
A Tireless Victor
Du Plessis has expressed interest in several future opponents, including a rematch with Sean Strickland “to give the people what they want”.
He has also stated that he believes Robert Whittaker currently to be the most deserving contender of a title shot.
It’s hard to say what the actual conditions will be when we actually get to see Poatan and Stillknocks meet inside of the octagon, Especially at Light Heavyweight; as there still seems to be a decent lineup of challengers for Dricus to go through in his current weight class.
The Boss’ Praise
It will ultimately be up to the UFC brass to decide when, and at which weight class these two champions should clash; however Dana White has publicly praised Pereira’s desire to move back down to middleweight at the “Dana Whites Contender Series 70” post-fight conference.
“He’s f*cking nasty”
Dana revered when asked about his thoughts on Pereira’s statement.
“He wants to move up. He wants to move down. He wants to go everywhere. That’s why people love him. Those are the type of fighters people love.. -Everything about Alex Pereira is what makes fans absolutely love the guy.”
With a commendation like that, it’s hard to think that we won’t get to see this fight happen at some point in the near future.
It will be interesting in itself to see if Dricus can weather the coming onslaught of challengers long enough to meet Pereira with his middleweight title still intact.
Keep looking up, because It seems there are still a few stars that will need to align before either of these current champions will get the chance to taste “double gold”.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
