Israel Adesanya reveals that Dricus Du Plessis declined to fight at UFC 300

28 February 2024

In a recent revelation that sent shockwaves through the MMA world, Israel Adesanya unveiled plans for a potential showdown against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 300. The anticipated middleweight clash had been brewing for some time, with both fighters locked in a simmering rivalry that promised fireworks inside the Octagon.

During an appearance on This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Adesanya shed light on the missed opportunity, indicating that he was prepared to step into the spotlight for the milestone event. The UFC offered him a title fight against du Plessis, but the South African fighter declined the opportunity.

"They summoned me for [UFC] 300 and I was like, 'Yep, let's roll', but their side didn't want it... But, they just fought [Sean] Strickland, so maybe he had a little bit niggly injuries and stuff but we all got niggles and what not... I've fought injured for the last how many fights? That's why I took time off. Just to let my body heal and it has healed," Adesanya revealed during the podcast.

The revelation has sparked speculation among fans and pundits alike, wondering whether the promotion will revisit the possibility of booking Du Plessis vs. Adesanya in the future. With UFC 300 set to go in a different direction, the question remains whether another contender will be granted a title shot or if the long-awaited grudge match will eventually materialize.

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As anticipation builds within the MMA community, all eyes are on the UFC's next move. Whether Adesanya and Du Plessis will cross paths inside the Octagon remains to be seen, but the prospect of their potential clash continues to tantalize fight fans around the globe.