Dricus Du Plessis Eyes Alex Pereira As He Confirms Next Opponent After UFC 312

Key Takeaways:

• Dricus Du Plessis plans to fight Khamzat Chimaev next to defend his middleweight title.
• He aims to move up and challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight championship.
• Du Plessis holds great respect for Pereira and wants to face him for his legacy.
• He recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312.
• Du Plessis aspires to be the greatest middleweight by defeating elite opponents.

Du Plessis Sets Sights on Chimaev and Pereira

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has outlined his ambitious plans to solidify his legacy by first defending his title against Khamzat Chimaev before moving up to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight championship.

Dominant Victory at UFC 312

Du Plessis registered his second defense of the undisputed 185-pound title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over former champion Sean Strickland in their rematch at UFC 312 in Sydney. The win reinforced his position atop the middleweight division.

Focus on Khamzat Chimaev

Before pursuing a light heavyweight showdown, Du Plessis is set on facing undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. “Khamzat is next. I think he deserves a hiding,” Du Plessis stated emphatically. Chimaev boasts a perfect 14-0 record and has recently defeated former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.

Respect for Alex Pereira

Despite his immediate focus on Chimaev, Du Plessis has expressed deep admiration for Alex Pereira. “I have the world of respect for Alex Pereira. I think he’s the world’s pound-for-pound best,” he said during the UFC 312 post-fight press conference. Du Plessis sees a future bout with Pereira as pivotal for his legacy. “I want to share the Octagon with that man. I want to beat that guy.”

Quest for Greatness

Du Plessis’s ambitions extend beyond individual fights. He aims to be recognized as the greatest middleweight of all time. “I want to make sure that this belt, that this middleweight title, that there is no question that I’m the GOAT of the middleweight division,” he explained. Acknowledging legends like Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya, he believes true greatness comes from “who you fight, how you defend it, and in what period of time.”

Looking Ahead to Pereira’s Fight

Alex Pereira is scheduled to face Russian contender Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in Las Vegas on March 8. Du Plessis has a vested interest in the outcome. “I said to Pereira, ‘Please beat Ankalaev.’ No hate against Ankalaev, I just want to beat Alex Pereira,” he revealed. “It’s nothing personal against Ankalaev; it’s just Pereira. It would be amazing to beat him for my legacy.”

Cementing His Legacy

With a clear roadmap ahead, Du Plessis is determined to leave an indelible mark on the sport. “I want to be the greatest to ever do this,” he declared. By taking on formidable opponents like Chimaev and potentially Pereira, he aims to ensure there is “no question” about his status in MMA history.

Conclusion

As Du Plessis prepares for his next challenge, the MMA world watches with anticipation. His pursuit of greatness, marked by respect for his peers and an unwavering commitment to excellence, positions him as a defining figure in the sport’s evolving landscape.