The coach of Dricus du Plessis explains the next steps, including the Whittaker showdown, Pereira’s shortcomings, and Adesanya’s future.
Following his thrilling victory at UFC 305, Dricus du Plessis is already planning his next move, and his coach Morne Visser is leaking information. Despite the flurry of other contenders like Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, Visser is dead set on a rematch with Robert Whittaker while UFC fans speculate about potential pairings. Visser asserts that du Plessis has a clear road to more glory and that anyone who stands in his way will not have it easy.
Whittaker Rematch Forecasted by Visser, Who Downplays Sean Strickland’s Hype
Visser was blunt when questioned about Sean Strickland’s intentions for a rematch. “Sean is exaggerating it,” he remarked frank. Even though Strickland recently defeated Paulo Costa, Visser feels that victory is insufficient to give him another chance to face du Plessis, whom he lost by a split decision.
But Whittaker? That’s different now,” Visser said with assurance. Whittaker was defeated by Du Plessis at UFC 290, and Visser believes a rematch is imminent. At UFC 308 between Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, Visser knows exactly what will happen. “Rob is going to defeat Khamzat,” he declared, writing off Chimaev as unproven in the top echelons. “Khamzat’s protest is dubious, and directed at Rob? He’s too good for him.”
Visser’s forecast? Whittaker wins the bout via a relentless, punishing finish rather than by a point differential. Furthermore, Visser underlined, this is not just conjecture. “Rob has a talented group of people working for him. He’ll adjust, grow from his experiences, and emerge stronger. Khamzat can’t possibly manage that.
Though Adesanya’s Future Is Uncertain, a Rematch Is Certain
Even if Whittaker vs. du Plessis 2 seems certain, it’s still hard to overlook Israel Adesanya’s name. Though currently on a losing skid, the former champion is far from out. Even though Adesanya has dropped three of his past four games, Visser said, “he’s still a beast.” Despite the setbacks, Adesanya and du Plessis’s rivalry—which stems from a history of clashes and cultural tension—feeds the flames for a potential matchup in the future.
“I believe we will battle Izzy once more, and Dana is discussing it,” disclosed Visser. He thinks this rematch may occur in 2025 and that it will probably happen in Africa. “This is the kind of bout when more is at stake than belts—between Dricus representing South Africa and Izzy’s Nigerian heritage. It concerns who is the monarch of the continent, pride, and legacy.
Visser was open about Adesanya’s most recent performances, drawing comparisons between the Izzy who lost to Sean Strickland and the one who battled du Plessis. “Izzy is quite talented. The man who challenged du Plessis? It was quite the monster. That was not the Strickland that saw in him. I genuinely believe that would be one of the most exciting bouts of 2025 if Izzy brings that to a rematch.”
The Reasons Alex Pereira Isn’t a Threat to du Plessis Despite His Flaws
And then there’s the enormous Brazilian knockout artist, Alex Pereira. Though some may view him as du Plessis’s natural rival, Visser is unconcerned. Visser claims they have no interest in competing against Pereira at middleweight because he has advanced to light heavyweight. Rather, if a fight takes place, it will take place at 205 pounds, Pereira’s weight class.
“There is no denying Pereira’s risk. However, he has shortcomings,” Visser stated tersely. Bad grappling and wrestling cannot be remedied in a few months or even a year. He cracks under pressure. Dricus maintains his composure during fights, but Pereira? He detests being the weaker party. That’s the moment he breaks.”
Du Plessis isn’t interested in wrestling Pereira since he has dedicated a lot of time to improving his own standup routine. “We aim to defeat him in his strongest domain, standup. And he has holes there, too, I promise you.
What Comes Next?
It’s obvious what’s at stake as UFC 308 draws near. It is almost a given that Whittaker will meet du Plessis in early 2025 if he overcomes Chimaev. Adesanya and Pereira, meanwhile, remain as viable options for the future and present different difficulties.
But Visser’s message is clear for the time being: du Plessis is prepared. He joked, “People haven’t even seen the real Dricus yet.” “People are going to be in serious trouble the day he shows up at 100%.”
