Amid UFC 300 Hype, Israel Adesanya Drops Bombshell: Fight with Dricus du Plessis Was on the Table
The anticipation surrounding UFC 300 reached fever pitch as fans eagerly awaited the blockbuster event slated for April 13. However, the excitement took a surprising turn when Israel Adesanya revealed that he had been approached for a headlining bout against middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis – an offer he accepted without hesitation. But the much-anticipated showdown was not to be, as Adesanya disclosed that du Plessis’ team declined the opportunity.
In a candid conversation on Theo Von’s podcast, Adesanya shed light on the situation, expressing his readiness to step into the octagon for UFC 300. Yet, despite his enthusiasm, the fight did not materialize due to resistance from du Plessis’ camp. Adesanya hinted that du Plessis may have been nursing injuries sustained in his recent battle with Sean Strickland at UFC 297, making a swift return for UFC 300 impractical.
The setback echoes a previous missed opportunity for du Plessis, who was sidelined by a foot injury after his victory over Robert Whittaker, denying him a shot at Adesanya’s title. Adesanya, known for his resilience, emphasized his own history of fighting through injuries but acknowledged the importance of allowing his body to recover.
While the immediate prospect of a showdown at UFC 300 dimmed, both Adesanya and du Plessis remain eager to face off, with hopes of staging the historic bout in Africa. Although the location remains uncertain, the anticipation for their clash continues to build, promising an electrifying spectacle whenever it takes place.
