Photo @dricusduplessis used for journalistic purpose, no copyright infringement intended.
The UFC middleweight division is buzzing with activity as newly crowned champion Dricus Du Plessis finds himself in the crosshairs of two formidable contenders. Both Sean Strickland and light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira have thrown their hats into the ring, eager to challenge for Du Plessis’ 185-pound strap.
Strickland, fresh off a victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302, has solidified his position as the top contender. The outspoken American has made it clear he’s willing to play the waiting game for his title shot, even if it means taking a hiatus from competition.
Meanwhile, Pereira, who once held gold in the middleweight class, is eyeing a return to his former stomping grounds. The Brazilian knockout artist took to social media to express his interest in facing Du Plessis, despite being slated to defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.
“Regardless of my next fight’s outcome, I want to drop down to middleweight one more time for the belt,” Pereira declared on Instagram. He challenged Du Plessis directly, saying, “Bring your will to fight me so you can prove you’re better. Your public statement makes it easy to make this happen.”
Not to be outdone, Strickland fired his own salvo at the South African champion. In a characteristically provocative post, he wrote, “Time for war Dutch man,” a jab at Du Plessis’ heritage that raised eyebrows across the MMA community.
The rivalry between Strickland and Du Plessis is already simmering, following their closely contested bout in January. Many fans and pundits felt Strickland deserved the nod in that split decision loss, adding fuel to the rematch fire.
Du Plessis, however, isn’t taking these challenges lying down. The newly minted champ fired back at both contenders with a zinger of his own: “Alex Pereira, you and your boyfriend Sean Strickland can have a domestic dispute on who gets slept first.”
The South African’s recent victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 has put him in the enviable position of having multiple high-profile fighters clamoring for a shot at his belt. His unorthodox style proved too much for the technically superior Adesanya, leaving many in the division believing they have what it takes to dethrone the new king.
As the middleweight picture continues to evolve, fight fans are left wondering who will get the next crack at Du Plessis. Will it be the brash Strickland, looking to settle the score? Or will the two-division champion Pereira drop down for a chance at reclaiming his old title?
One thing’s for certain: with these three personalities involved, the build-up to Du Plessis’ first title defense promises to be as explosive as the fight itself.