Alex Pereira or Sean Strickland in line to fight Dricus du Plessis next

The organisers are believed to be considering matching up the champion against Alex Pereira or Sean Strickland before the end of the year.

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Responding to questions about who could be his upcoming fight, the South African, who beat Israel Adesanya in Perth to successfully defend his belt, had this to say. 

''What I want next, is whatever they give me, I have to be honest there. I don't think Alex Pereira should drop down to 185, but if he wants to great. Then we will hear excuses of; we saw the easy stiff - that man in the first round, that is the easiest great time, his fast, his long and yes great combinations but I felt the power,'' said Du Plessis.

The 30-year-old added he wasn’t yet considering changing divisions.

''No, but if that is what UFC wants, I would be ready for it right now but I am not chasing that. I believe to be considered the greatest to ever do this sport, I need to be considered as the greatest middleweight first. I mean have fought  three of the top 20 bound for bound, so can I please get back to the top 10,'' added Du Plessis.

Du Plessis did beat Strickland in January to become the middleweight champion after the result went to the judges. He was asked whether the split decision could be the reason why people are calling for a rematch.

''No, I don't care about silencing the people. I need to hear the people if they are booing or cheering. You saw the electric crowd, they were not cheering for me but it was still amazing to be there. Going to that fight now with him, I know he can't handle what I have, he can't handle what I have to offer. This time I can finish him,'' he concluded.

Pressed on his opinion of who he should fight next, Du Plessis didn’t hesitate backing Robert Whittaker to get a title shot.