Dricus Du Plessis shows confidence and claims he can beat Alex Poatan in the light heavyweight division

Dricus Du Plessis, middleweight champion, challenged Alex Poatán, light heavyweight champion. Photo (SUPER FIGHTS Montage)

Dricus Du Plessis wants to take a step further in his career and win his second UFC belt. The South African, who defeated Sean Strickland in the main fight of UFC 312 and defended his middleweight title (up to 83,9kg), showed confidence in his strength and challenged Alex Poatán in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg).

In a press conference after his victory in the UFC 312, Du Plessis expressed great respect for Poatan and recognized his skills and achievements in the UFC. But, despite considering the Brazilian as the current number one in the world, the South African reaffirms his desire to face him in the octagon and believes he has a 100% chance of taking his title.

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“I have the utmost respect for Alex Pereira. I think he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I have the utmost respect for him, for what he’s done in a short period of time in the UFC, coming from another sport, what he’s done there, but yeah, I want to share the Octagon with this man. I want to beat a guy — I’ve already beaten Adesanya, who beat him. I know I can beat him at 93 pounds. One hundred percent,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis wants Poatan to beat Ankalaev so he can face him in the future

While Dricus Du Plessis want to fight Poatan, the Brazilian already has a commitment scheduled against Magomed Ankalayev No. UFC 313. However, Du Plessis revealed that he asked the champion to be successful in his defense, as he is the one who wants to feel the taste of dethroning him.

“I told Pereira, ‘Please beat Ankalaev.’ No hate towards Ankalaev; I just want to beat Alex Pereira. It’s nothing personal against Ankalaev, it’s just against Pereira. He’s already a legend in this sport to me, so it would be amazing to beat him for my legacy. I want to be the greatest,” said the middleweight champion.

Dricus Du Plessis debuted in the UFC in October 2020 and has since accumulated nine victories in the organization, four by knockout and two by submission. During his career in the Ultimate, the South African has achieved notable triumphs against former champions Robert whittaker, Israel adesanya and twice against Sean Strickland.