Dricus du Plessis responds to double-champ status questions

By Mazola Molefe
24th January 2024

Newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis says he’s open to the idea of challenging for a double belt.

The South African mixed martial arts athlete beat his USA counterpart Sean Strickland via a split decision at the weekend to overthrow him in the division, and was then asked whether he would consider going for more. Only four fighters have been able to achieve this rare feat over the years, the last being Henry Cejudo in 2019 after he was the holder of both the flyweight and bantamweight championship. Du Plessis adds it would have to be a calculated decision.

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''I wanna do what is expect because - do I want double champs? That is absolutely, but I'm willing to earn that. If there's contenders that make sense, I don't want to fight contenders that doesn't make sense. Fighting Israel Adesanya made sense, fighting guys that deserve the title shot makes sense, like Israel and Sean Strickland - they should have never fought in my opinion,'' said du Plessis.

The 30-year-old has captivated the world in the last few months, and winning the title on Sunday means there’s more to come. Du Plessis believes he always had his eye on the target as he warmed up to life as a UFC fighter.

''Nothing changed, I just got my ring time, settled and found a home in the UFC. Like I said that's what I need, found a home, we had some problems in terms of the conditioning but we fixed. I feel incredible, I think it's just about finding your feet, accepting and believing that you are one of the best in the world,'' added du Plessis.

If he is going to attempt the double-champ status, Du Plessis is going to need the power and strength to sustain rounds. He says he proved this against Strickland.

''That's a big plus that we went five rounds, and hopefully my cardio is a discussion of the past, if not, keep on doubting I don't care - at your own demise of course.'', he concluded.

Du Plessis also expressed excitement for his teammate Mark Hulme, who won his fight at the Unified MMA in Canada. Hulme is the reigning welterweight EFC champion.