Du Plessis calls out UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya

Adesanya reclaimed the belt in Las Vegas against Alex Pereira. 

Following his win over Derek Brunson last month, Du Plessis called for a title contender bout or a title shot, which he now might get. 

"Ja, I mean, so he had a lot to say. He wouldn't mention my name but, as I said, this is South Africa, we don't get intimidated," said Du Plessis.

"If you're going to do something, come and prove it, let's see how far you get. But, no, it's amazing to be able to represent the country on this massive stage, at the top of that stage, and on top of the world at UFC."

There are still a few fighters above Du Plessis in the ranking keen to topple Adesanya, but the 29-year-old from Pretoria insists it’s the reigning champion who keeps dropping hints over who he wants to face next.

"He made the threats, he made the call-out, not me. And, at the end of the day, I'm right there, I'll answer his call-out by stepping in the ring [sic] any single day. He can come out, we're going to bring that belt right back to South Africa," he added.

Du Plessis also gave an update on his recovery from a minor nose operation he underwent earlier this month. 

"No, I had the nose surgery, and everything went perfectly. We are en route, and it's already making a massive difference. It's still around three weeks until full recovery, but I'm already feeling a massive difference," concluded "Stillknocks".